Argentina have made an unexpected request to FIFA ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash with England, asking to wear their all-blue change kit instead of the traditional sky blue and white striped home shirt, according to journalist Gaston Edul.
Request for Kit Change
The reigning world champions have worn their iconic home strip in five of their six matches at the tournament so far, with the only exception being their group-stage victory over Jordan on June 28, when they donned the all-blue kit. If the request is granted, England are expected to wear their all-white home strip.
Argentina secured their place in the semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over Switzerland, while England booked their spot after overcoming Norway in the quarter-finals. The match sets up a mouth-watering encounter between Lionel Messi's Argentina and the Three Lions for a place in the World Cup final.
Messi's Form and Historical Context
Messi heads into the semi-final in outstanding form, currently joint-top of the tournament's Golden Boot standings with France star Kylian Mbappe, having scored eight goals. The Inter Miami star has played an instrumental role in guiding Argentina to the last four as they bid to defend the title they claimed in Qatar in 2022.
Reflecting on the prospect of facing England for the first time in his career, Messi said in an interview with ESPN Argentina: "Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive. But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent."
He added: "Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special. Personally, it's the first time I'm going to play against them. I've played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too. And we'll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a powerhouse, a great team, and we'll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again."
Impact on the Match
The kit request adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated semi-final. England will likely wear their all-white home strip if the request is approved, ensuring a clear contrast on the pitch. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2026, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
