One of football’s fiercest rivalries is about to take center stage once again as England and Argentina prepare to battle in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final in Atlanta. While anticipation is already sky-high, an unexpected kit decision has added another fascinating layer to a contest steeped in unforgettable World Cup history.

As the designated home side, Thomas Tuchel’s England will take to the field in their traditional all-white home kit, continuing a pattern that has seen the Three Lions wear their classic colors throughout the tournament. The only exception came during their final Group L match against Panama, when England switched to their red change strip because both teams traditionally wear white.

Argentina, meanwhile, have also largely stuck with their famous light blue and white-striped shirts, wearing them in every match except their 3-1 group-stage victory over Jordan. However, that trend will come to an end for the semi-final after it was confirmed the reigning world champions will instead wear their dark blue away kit.

According to Argentine journalist Gaston Edu, the decision came after Argentina themselves requested to wear the darker strip, although neither FIFA nor the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially confirmed the report.

The choice immediately evokes memories of some of the most famous moments in World Cup history.

It was while wearing a dark blue shirt and black shorts that Diego Maradona produced two of football’s most iconic goals during Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals in Mexico City. His infamous “Hand of God” opener was followed just five minutes later by a breathtaking solo effort that saw him dribble past five England players before scoring—a goal still regarded as one of the greatest ever witnessed on the World Cup stage.

Argentina also wore their blue away kit when they knocked England out of the 1998 World Cup in France, prevailing on penalties after a dramatic last-16 clash remembered for David Beckham’s red card following his altercation with Diego Simeone. Nearly three decades later, that connection continues, with Giuliano Simeone, Diego’s son, now included in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad.

England’s most recent competitive triumph over Argentina came at the 2002 World Cup in Japan, where Beckham’s memorable penalty secured a 1-0 victory. On that occasion, England wore their red away strip while Argentina lined up in their traditional striped home shirts.

The nations last met in an international friendly in Switzerland in 2005, where Michael Owen scored twice as England claimed an entertaining 3-2 victory. Argentina once again appeared in their blue away kit.

Remarkably, despite becoming one of football’s greatest-ever players, Lionel Messi has never previously faced England. The legendary forward missed the 2005 encounter after receiving a red card during his senior international debut against Hungary just three months earlier, resulting in a suspension.

That makes Wednesday night’s semi-final especially significant, as the match will mark Messi’s 206th international appearance and his first-ever game against England. The Argentina captain also has history in his sights, entering the contest with 21 World Cup goals, one ahead of Kylian Mbappé’s 20, while both stars currently have eight goals at the 2026 World Cup.

With a place in the sport’s biggest match on the line, the stakes could hardly be higher. The winner of the blockbuster showdown between England and Argentina will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, where Spain await after defeating tournament favorites France 2-0 in the first semi-final in Dallas.

The championship match is scheduled for 8 p.m. BST on Sunday, July 19, at New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), where football history will once again be written.