ATLANTA, July 14, 2026 – Argentina's dark blue jersey has evolved beyond an alternate strip to become a symbol of football folklore and perceived good luck for the national team. Ahead of their World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday, July 15, in Atlanta, Lionel Messi and his teammates will don the dark blue away kit instead of their traditional sky blue and white stripes.

This choice echoes past iconic moments: Argentina wore dark blue in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals in Mexico, where Diego Maradona scored the infamous "Hand of God" goal and a solo effort later dubbed the "Goal of the Century" in a 2-1 win over England. Twelve years later, in the 1998 World Cup round of 16 in France, Argentina again wore dark blue when they eliminated England on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed understanding of the superstition behind the kit choice. "I would have done the same if there was any superstition combined with it," Tuchel told reporters on Tuesday. He acknowledged the role of superstition in high-level sport, adding, "We have routines that keep you grounded and calm through the day, and that will not change. We have, of course, also our lucky charms, and these things are just normal in high-level sport."

Tuchel also joked about his own superstitions, saying, "I have my superstitious routines. I will not tell you because another superstition is that if I tell you, it will not work," prompting laughter.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni appeared more reserved about the narrative, stating, "If the shirt choice was driven by history and superstition, I don't know who did, but perhaps it's tradition."

Tuchel admitted he was previously unaware of the significance, saying, "So credit to them. I was not aware of that."

The dark blue kit thus carries a legacy intertwined with Argentina's World Cup history and superstition as the defending champions prepare to face England in a highly anticipated semi-final clash.

Sources