Argentina will wear blue against England, as in Mexico 86

FIFA officially confirmed the kits for the tournament’s second semifinal, and the Argentina national team will play in blue against Inglaterra. In a clash with plenty of symbolic weight, the image evokes the memory of México 86, an unavoidable reference for Argentine football.

A nod to the memory of Mexico 86

Confirmation of the shirt adds another snapshot to a buildup already thick with World Cup atmosphere. The decision was set for the semifinal, in which Lionel Scaloni’s team will look to take another step toward the final.

The color choice carries special significance because of the comparison with 1986, an edition that remains embedded in Argentine football’s DNA. In a setting like this, even the kit becomes part of the conversation when the context is so intense.

The buildup, with Scaloni looking for the plan against the Three Lions

While the matchday attire was being finalized, the Argentine buildup also focused on the football side. Lionel Scaloni is thinking about the team to face the Tres Leones, in a semifinal already surrounded by tactical analysis, history and anticipation around the showdown.

At the same time, the Argentine coaching staff also carries its own history against this opponent. Pablo Aimar, Walter Samuel and Roberto Ayala faced England in different competitions when they were players.

Among the themes that surfaced during the day was also the idea of toning down the rivalry. On the eve of the semifinal, Scaloni aimed to shift the focus away from any added baggage and keep attention strictly on the sporting side.

“Just a football match”, Scaloni summed up about the game.

Argentina, between the World Cup schedule and the spotlight on Messi

The semifinal also arrives with Lionel Messi once again at the center of the stage. International coverage has again highlighted his influence and the threat he poses to the opposition.

Argentina also finds itself surrounded by other World Cup 2026-related news angles:

• the anticipation around the national team’s buildup,
• the lineup shaped around big names like Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández,
• and the daily coverage leading up to the semifinal.

All of that creates a scenario in which every detail matters. The blue shirt does not change the game plan, but it does reinforce a snapshot that is already etched into the recent history of the Scaloneta.

What comes next

With the kit now decided, attention turns fully to the match against Inglaterra. Argentina heads into the semifinal with the final in sight and a buildup that blends history, symbolism and high-voltage football.