Argentina have submitted a formal request to FIFA to wear their away kit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday, July 15. The request carries historical significance, as Argentina wore the same away strip during their famous 1986 World Cup victory over England, a match forever remembered for Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal.
Historical Significance of the Away Kit
According to reports from Touchline, Argentina are seeking to replicate that symbolic choice as they prepare for the first meeting between the two sides at a World Cup since 1998. The defending champions hope the kit will bring similar fortune against their old rivals.
Rivalry Returns to Football's Biggest Stage
Wednesday's semi-final marks the first time Lionel Messi will face England at a World Cup, adding another layer to one of football's most storied international rivalries. La Albiceleste arrive with Messi having already etched his name further into history during this tournament, becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history before extending his record tally to 21 goals.
Argentina's Road to the Semi-Final
According to Squawka, Argentina progressed through the group stage without dropping a point, defeating Algeria 3-0, Austria 2-0, and Jordan 3-1. The knockout rounds, however, proved far more testing. Cape Verde pushed Lionel Scaloni's side to extra time in the round of 32 before a 3-2 victory ensured their survival. A last-16 clash with Egypt brought an even greater scare, with Argentina trailing 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining before a stunning late comeback produced a 3-2 win. They then edged Switzerland 3-1 in extra time in the quarter-final, securing their 14th consecutive win across all competitions.
England's Journey to the Last Four
England reached the semi-finals for only the fourth time in their history after a campaign that tested Thomas Tuchel's squad at every turn. The Three Lions opened with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, drew 0-0 with Ghana, and then beat Panama 2-0 to top Group L. Their knockout run was anything but comfortable as England recovered from going a goal down against DR Congo in the round of 32, with Harry Kane scoring a late brace to secure a 3-2 win. Against co-hosts Mexico in the last 16, England played for over 35 minutes with ten men following Jarell Quansah's red card and still held on to win 3-2 in an extraordinary performance. Jude Bellingham then struck twice in a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in the quarter-final to book their place in the semi-finals.
Match Odds and Final Preview
Opta's supercomputer currently puts England's probability of winning in regulation at 38.9 percent, compared to 34.1 percent for Argentina, per Al Jazeera. The winner will advance to Sunday's final to face either France or Spain.
Messi Sends Message to England
In another development, Legit.ng reported about Argentina's captain Lionel Messi's message ahead of the upcoming clash against England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final, a moment that the legendary player describes as deeply personal. This match marks Messi's first encounter with the Three Lions in a competitive setting, adding an intriguing layer to a rivalry steeped in historical tension, including the unforgettable encounters of 1986 and 1998.
