Argentina to Face England, Suddenly Changing Uniforms... Why?

Wearing Away Kit Instead of Home Kit

Achieving Strong Results While Wearing Away Kit

The Argentina national team, set to face England in the semifinals of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, has requested to change their uniforms from FIFA. This move is being interpreted as a morale-boosting strategy.

Argentina is scheduled to play England in the semifinal match at Atlanta Stadium in the United States at 4:00 a.m. (Korean time) on July 16. Previously, Argentina competed in a grueling 120-minute quarterfinal match against Switzerland and secured a 3-1 victory.

Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal scene during the 1986 Mexico World Cup. At that time, Maradona touched the ball with his hand, but the goal was recognized. YouTube capture.

However, according to the British media outlet The Express on July 14 (local time), Argentina is expected to wear navy-colored uniforms in this semifinal match, with FIFA's approval.

Argentina's uniforms are divided into the traditional sky-blue and white striped "home" kit and the navy "away" kit. In the North and Central America World Cup, Argentina has mostly played in their home uniforms, but this time, they appear to have chosen the away kit as a morale-boosting measure.

Argentina has a history of achieving their best results against England in the World Cup while wearing the navy away kit. During the 1986 Mexico World Cup, when the legendary Diego Maradona scored the so-called "Hand of God" goal and a solo 50-meter dribble goal to defeat England 2-1, he was also wearing the away kit. Likewise, in the round of 16 at the 1998 France World Cup, Argentina overcame England in a dramatic penalty shootout, also wearing navy uniforms.

According to FIFA regulations, both teams are permitted to wear their home uniforms. However, if the colors are too similar, teams are allowed to select kits with sufficiently contrasting colors. Argentina has worn their home uniform in five previous matches and wore the navy kit in one match. Meanwhile, England is expected to wear their traditional white uniforms for the upcoming game.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.