Cabala or FIFA rules? Why Messi’s Argentina will wear the “Lucky” dark blue jersey for the semi-final against England

Lionel Messi in Navy Blue vs Jordan Match (Image: X) Defending champions Argentina are set for another blockbuster clash with England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, but it won’t just be Lionel Messi and company who will attract attention at kick-off. When these two football heavyweights take to the field, Argentina will be dressed in their iconic navy blue away kit instead of their famous sky blue and white stripes, a decision that has caused much debate among fans.While FIFA’s kit regulations are believed to be the main reason for the change, many supporters in Argentina see the choice as more than just a matter of color coordination. For them, the blue jersey carries memories of two of the nation’s most famous World Cup victories over England.

Cábala governs Argentine rituals

The most iconic came in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup, when Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to a 2-1 victory with two unforgettable goals, one forever known as the “Hand of God” and the other widely regarded as the “Goal of the Century.” Maradona and his teammates donned the dark blue kit that day, turning it into one of the most iconic kits in football history.Twelve years later, Argentina met England again at the World Cup, this time in the Round of 16 in 1998. In the same blue strip, they prevailed in a dramatic penalty shoot-out after a thrilling 2-2 draw, further strengthening the jersey’s association with success against the Three Lions.These historic victories have prompted reports in the Argentine media that the team has specifically requested to wear the blue strip again for Wednesday’s semi-final, in the hope that history may repeat itself. This could be one of the reasons for Argentina’s request, and it’s no secret how important superstition, or cabal, is in Argentine culture, especially when it comes to football.

However, there is another, more practical explanation.

FIFA generally prefers teams to wear their primary kits whenever possible. However, when the colors of the competing teams do not provide sufficient contrast, the governing body may require one side to switch to an alternative lane. The policy also takes into account viewers with color vision deficiency, ensuring a clear distinction between the two teams by maintaining a combination of light versus dark. Argentina have worn the blue away kit only once during the 2026 World Cup, in their 3–1 group stage victory over Jordan. For the rest of the tournament, Lionel Messi’s team wore their traditional home colours.Interestingly, not every memory associated with the blue shirt is a happy one. Argentina wore the navy blue kit in both the 1990 and 2014 FIFA World Cup finals, losing to Germany each time. In contrast, Messi finally lifted the trophy for the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 in Argentina’s classic blue and white jersey.