CORNERFLICK
Argentina will wear their classic blue shirt against England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, after FIFA approved the request. England will play in their traditional all-white kit.
Lionel Scaloni's side have worn blue, black shorts and black socks only once at the tournament so far, in the group stage against Jordan. Argentina's federation did not give a formal reason for the request, but it has been linked to two famous wins over England.
Those matches were the 2-1 quarter-final victory at Mexico 1986 and the 2-2 draw in the 1998 last 16, which Argentina won 4-3 on penalties. In both games, Argentina were in blue.
The 1986 shirt carries the strongest symbolism. FIFA has said Carlos Bilardo felt the spare kit available in Mexico City was too heavy for the heat and humidity, so a federation official bought two blue shirts from a sports shop only hours before kick-off. One was chosen by Diego Maradona and became the shirt worn in Argentina's 2-1 win, sealed by the 'Hand of God' and his second goal, later named the 'Goal of the Century'.