England are set to play in their all-white kit against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, with the defending champions reportedly requesting to wear their blue away jersey. As the designated home team, the Three Lions will don their traditional white shirts, which they have used in all but one of their matches at the 2026 tournament.
Argentina's Kit Change Request
Argentina, the reigning world champions, have worn their iconic light blue and white striped home shirt in every game except their 3-1 group stage victory over Jordan. Despite expectations that they would continue in that kit, it has been confirmed that Lionel Scaloni's side will instead wear their dark-blue away strip. According to Argentine journalist Gaston Edu, the Argentina camp requested the change, though this has not been officially confirmed by FIFA or the Argentine Football Association.
Historical Context of the Blue Kit
The darker kit holds significant historical weight for England. In the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, Diego Maradona, wearing a dark blue shirt and black shorts, scored his infamous 'Hand of God' goal to open the scoring against England. Minutes later, he weaved past five players to net one of the most iconic goals in football history, securing a 2-1 victory for Argentina. The two sides met again in the 1998 World Cup last 16, where Argentina once more prevailed, this time on penalties. On that occasion, they also wore their blue away kit, and David Beckham was sent off for kicking Diego Simeone. Simeone's son, Giuliano, is part of Argentina's 2026 squad.
England's most recent competitive victory over Argentina came at the 2002 World Cup, when a 1-0 group stage win saw England play in their red away shirt while Argentina wore their striped home kit. The two nations last faced each other in a friendly in Switzerland in 2005, with England winning 3-2 thanks to a Michael Owen double. Argentina wore their away kit that day as well.
Messi's First Appearance Against England
Lionel Messi did not feature in that 2005 friendly, having made his international debut three months earlier against Bosnia and Herzegovina. A red card on his debut meant he was suspended for the England clash. Consequently, Wednesday evening's semi-final in Atlanta will mark Messi's first-ever appearance against England. The Inter Miami star currently leads the all-time World Cup goalscoring charts with 21 goals, two ahead of Kylian Mbappe, who has 19. Both players have scored eight goals at the 2026 tournament so far.
Semi-Final Details
The winner of England vs Argentina will face the victor of the other semi-final between France and Spain, which takes place at 8pm BST on Tuesday, June 14, at Dallas Stadium. The World Cup final is scheduled for 8pm BST on Sunday, June 19, at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
