FIFA has confirmed that Argentina will wear their dark blue and black away kit against England in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday in Atlanta. The reigning champions requested to use their second strip despite being listed as the away team, a move linked to historical successes.
Historical Significance of Argentina's Away Kit
Argentina have won only three of their 14 meetings with England, but two of those victories came while wearing away colours. In 1986, Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' and solo goal eliminated England in Mexico City, with Argentina in blue. In 1998, they beat England on penalties in Saint-Etienne after a 2-2 draw, also wearing dark blue. The other two World Cup encounters saw Argentina in their sky blue home kit and ended in defeat: a fiery 1966 match and a 2002 loss when David Beckham scored a penalty.
Kit Usage in This World Cup
Argentina have worn their home jersey in five of six matches, winning all. They wore the away kit once, a 3-1 victory over Jordan in Dallas. England have worn white in five of six games, winning four and drawing one against Ghana. They have a perfect record in their red second kit, worn in a 2-0 win over Panama.
Origin of the Iconic 1986 Kit
Argentina's blue kit from 1986 was originally a makeshift solution. After beating Uruguay in the Round of 16, players complained their tops were too heavy in the heat. With Le Coq Sportif unable to produce alternatives, delegate Ruben Moschella sourced Le Coq Sportif tops from Mexico City's Tepito market. Diego Maradona chose the blue ones. Badges from an old 1978 shirt were hand-stitched, and numbers pressed on with irons. The result became one of football's most iconic shirts.
In 2022, Steve Hodge sold Maradona's match-worn No. 10 shirt for over £7 million.
