Argentina to wear historic blue jersey in World Cup 2026 semi‑final vs England

Argentina will take the field in a dark‑blue away kit for its World Cup 2026 semi‑final against England in Atlanta on 15 July, 21:00 CET. The colour recalls the famous 1986 "Hand of God" match, when Diego Maradona scored both the controversial hand goal and the "Goal of the Century" while wearing a hastily sewn blue shirt. Argentine officials secured FIFA’s permission to use the kit, which fans view as a good omen, while English supporters remember past defeats in 1986 and 1998.

The match will be broadcast live on ARD and MagentaTV in Germany, with t‑online providing a live ticker. England’s campaign has been highlighted by Jude Bellingham’s six goals, prompting former striker Gary Lineker to suggest he could become England’s greatest player. Argentine captain Lionel Messi, now a global icon, leads a squad that includes 17 players from the 2022 World Cup‑winning team.

Ahead of the game, former Maradona partner Claudia Villafañe recalled the improvised blue shirt from 1986 and Maradona’s admiration for Messi, saying the legend always claimed Messi was better than him. The historic jersey, once sold at auction for over €9 million, adds symbolic weight to the high‑stakes encounter.