World Cup: England, Argentina reveal kits for blockbuster semi-final clash

England will wear their traditional all-white home kit when they face defending champions Argentina in Wednesday’s FIFA 2026 World Cup semi-final at Atlanta Stadium.

Argentina, meanwhile, will take to the pitch in their navy blue away strip with black shorts and socks for the blockbuster last-four clash.

The highly anticipated encounter pits two of football’s greatest rivals against each other, with the winners advancing to the World Cup final on July 19, where either France or Spain await.

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England reached the semi-finals after Jude Bellingham inspired a dramatic 2-1 extra-time comeback victory over Norway in Miami, while Argentina edged Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City.

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Argentina turn to lucky away strip

The Albiceleste have worn their navy blue kit only once during the tournament, in their 3-1 group-stage victory over Jordan.

Argentine media reported that Lionel Scaloni’s side specifically requested to wear the away strip, which has brought memorable success against England at previous World Cups.

Argentina famously beat England 2-1 in the 1986 quarter-finals in Mexico, a match remembered for Diego Maradona’s controversial “Hand of God” goal and his stunning solo effort later named the “Goal of the Century.”

The South Americans also eliminated England on penalties in the last 16 of the 1998 World Cup in France.

The rules were reversed at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, when England wore red and defeated Argentina 1-0 on a David Beckham penalty, while Argentina played in their famous sky-blue and white stripes.

FIFA prioritises kit contrast

FIFA generally prefers teams to wear their first-choice kits but can approve alternative strips where necessary to ensure sufficient colour contrast.

The governing body also considers supporters with colour vision deficiency by ensuring one team wears a light kit and the other a darker strip.

Wednesday’s clash promises to add another chapter to one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, with England seeking their first World Cup final appearance since 1966 and Argentina chasing a second consecutive title.