Argentina turn to lucky navy blue kit for England semifinal — After twice winning in the strip

Argentina will wear their navy blue away kit for Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal against England, turning to a strip that has brought them victory in both previous World Cup meetings with the Three Lions.

The defending champions formally requested permission from FIFA to wear the dark kit rather than their traditional sky-blue-and-white stripes. England, designated as the home team, will wear their all-white strip.

1986 — The ‘Hand of God’ and ‘Goal of the Century’

Argentina first wore navy blue against England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium. The match remained scoreless through the first half before Diego Maradona scored the infamous “Hand of God” goal in the 52nd minute, punching the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

Three minutes later, Maradona produced his “Goal of the Century” — a 60-meter slalom through five England defenders. Gary Lineker pulled one back for England in the 81st minute, but Argentina held on for a 2-1 win and went on to lift the trophy.

1998 — Beckham’s Red Card and Penalty Drama

Twelve years later in France, Argentina again wore navy blue for a last-16 clash in Saint-Étienne. Gabriel Batistuta converted a penalty after Diego Simeone was fouled, and Alan Shearer equalized from the spot minutes later. Michael Owen then scored a stunning solo goal before Javier Zanetti equalized on the stroke of halftime.

The match turned when David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Simeone. With the score 2-2 after extra time, Argentina won 4-3 on penalties to advance.

2002 — The Exception That Proves the Rule

When Argentina wore their traditional stripes in the 2002 group stage in Japan, England claimed a 1-0 victory through a Beckham penalty — while the Three Lions wore red. Argentina also lost to England in 1966 wearing their home kit.

Superstition and ‘Cábala’

The navy kit is not simply a preference — it is deeply rooted in cábala, Argentina’s tradition of rituals believed to bring fortune. Argentina have worn the dark kit only once at this World Cup, a 3-1 group-stage win over Jordan.

“We requested the change,” Argentine journalist Gastón Edul confirmed. “The history speaks for itself.”

Whether superstition or strategy, Argentina will hope their navy blue proves lucky once more when they face England in Atlanta on Wednesday.

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