Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 13
Argentina Switch to Navy Away Kit for England Semi-Final as Messi Chases 9th World Cup Goal
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 13

Argentina Switch to Navy Away Kit for England Semi-Final as Messi Chases 9th World Cup Goal

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 13

Summary

  • Argentina will wear their navy blue away strip against England in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, while England take the field in their all-white home kit.
  • Fifa generally prefers first-choice colours but can require changes to ensure clear light-dark contrast, especially for fans with colour vision deficiency.
  • Argentine media have also tied the navy kit to superstition: it was worn in 2-1 and shootout wins over England at the 1986 and 1998 World Cups.
  • The semi-final pits Lionel Messi's 8 tournament goals against Jude Bellingham's 6 after both sides reached the last four through extra-time quarter-final wins.

Insights

As Messi chases a final title, can England's new generation finally overcome its historic Argentine curse?
With the world watching Atlanta, will the World Cup's economic boom actually benefit local communities?