FIFA Make Decision Over Argentina Request Before England Clash

FIFA Make Decision Over Argentina’s Special Request Before England World Cup Semi-Final

FIFA have now made their decision over Argentina’s special request ahead of Wednesday’s 2026 World Cup semi-final against England.

It was reported on Monday that the reigning world champions had submitted a request to FIFA, days before their first international match against England since November 2005.

Lionel Messi, 39, will face England for the first time in his career at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, and Argentina made an urgent request to world football’s governing body in the hope of gaining a small but potentially crucial advantage.

Journalist Gaston Edul revealed that Argentina asked FIFA if they can wear their dark blue kit, as opposed to their iconic light blue and white strip.

Argentina have worn their famous light blue and white strip in all but one of their six matches at this summer’s tournament. The exception was during their 3-1 win over Jordan in the group stages.

Reason For Argentina’s Special Request

Argentina celebrate World Cup goal Reuters/Denny MedleySo, why would Argentina want to switch shirts before playing England?

It appears that superstition is one of the underlying reasons. After all, Argentina beat England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals and 1998 World Cup Round of 16 wearing navy blue shirts.

Diego Maradona scored his unforgettable ‘Hand of God’ and ‘Goal of the Century’ goals against England wearing dark blue at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in 1986.

The legendary No. 10’s match-worn jersey was claimed by England midfielder Steve Hodge, who sold it in 2022 for a record-breaking £7,142,500 at auction.In 1998, Argentina knocked England out of the World Cup on penalties in a game made famous for David Beckham’s red card following a petulant kick on Diego Simeone.

FIFA Respond to Argentina’s RequestFIFA president Gianni Infantino REUTERS/Jia Haocheng

Argentina are hoping that wearing navy blue against their old rivals will work in their favour again on Wednesday.

FIFA have now made their decision over Argentina’s special request, and it’s good news for the South Americans.

FIFA’s Match Colour Designation document confirms Argentina will wear their navy blue shirt with black shorts and socks.

England will be in their traditional white kit, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in yellow. Argentina’s goalkeeper Emi Martinez will wear dark green in the opposite net.

England Argentina kits FIFAThe winners of Wednesday’s semi-final will face either France or Spain, who go head-to-head at the Dallas Stadium on Tuesday night.

Argentina are aiming to secure a spot in their seventh World Cup final, while England are hoping to reach the final for the first time since 1966.