FIFA grants Argentina's 'special request' for World Cup semifinal vs England

Chiara Fiorillo & Maria Ortega & Tom VictorMon, July 13, 2026 at 3:27 PM UTC

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Argentina have been given what they wanted ahead of their meeting with England -Credit:Anadolu via Getty Images

Argentina will don blue against England in its World Cup semifinal after their "special request" was approved.

This means the Albiceleste will sport the same shade they wore during their memorable triumphs over the Three Lions in both 1986 and 1998. Lionel Scaloni's squad wore their classic blue and white home strip when they claimed the 2022 title in Qatar.

Yet, those colors previously proved unlucky against England at the 1966 and 2002 World Cups. Argentine media outlet TN reports the decision has generated enthusiasm among supporters of the defending world champions. The navy blue away strip has been used just once in 2026, during the group stage win over Jordan.

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FIFA has now confirmed the kit colors for the semi-final. While Argentina received their requested colors, England will dress in all white for the encounter. England wore all white during their quarter-final against Norway and their round of 32 win over DR Congo.

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They did, however, pair a white shirt with blue shorts against Mexico in the round of 16 to prevent a color conflict with the hosts' green shirts and white shorts combination.

The Three Lions wore all white in 1998, the previous occasion they faced Argentina in a World Cup knockout match. That contest finished level after 120 minutes before Argentina prevailed on penalties.

The same TN report highlights additional coincidences that Argentina fans have seized upon ahead of the match. Notably, the South Americans topped their group unbeaten in both 1986 and 1998 - a feat they replicated in 2026 but failed to achieve prior to the 1966 encounter.

David Beckham was sent off against Argentina in 1998 -Credit:PA

Furthermore, a defender found the net for the Albiceleste in both 1986 and 1998 before their clashes with England. This pattern holds true this year, with Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero both scoring in knockout stage matches.

England donned all white for the 1966 showdown but switched to red shirts when David Beckham's penalty secured a group stage victory in 2002.

Thomas Tuchel's squad has worn their red away kit just once in this tournament, during the group stage win over Panama.

FIFA has also confirmed the kit colors for the first semi-final, scheduled for Tuesday. France will take to the field in blue shirts and white shorts, while Spain will wear white shirts and red shorts - a change for both sides following their respective quarter-final victories.

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Source: “AOL Sports”