‘I’d do the same’: Thomas Tuchel on Argentina’s iconic navy blue kit for England’s World Cup semi-final

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) celebrates scoring a goal; and England head coach Thomas Tuchel. (AP Photos) England head coach Thomas Tuchel has admitted he understands why Argentina chose to wear their iconic dark blue away kit for Wednesday’s 2026 World Cup semi-final and said he would have made the same decision if superstition was behind it.The defending champions will swap their traditional sky blue and white stripes for a navy blue stripe closely associated with some of Argentina’s most famous World Cup victories over England.Speaking ahead of the blockbuster clash in Atlanta, Tuchel acknowledged the importance of rituals and talismans for good luck in elite sport. “I would do the same if there was a superstition associated with it,” Tuchel told reporters. “Well done to them. I wasn’t aware of that.”

Why Argentina’s navy blue jersey matters

The dark blue kit holds a special place in the history of Argentine football.It was the shirt worn by Diego Maradona during Argentina’s memorable 2-1 win over England in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup, a game remembered for both the infamous “Hand of God” goal and a stunning solo performance later dubbed the “Goal of the Century”.Argentina also wore the same colors when they eliminated England on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the round of 16 at the 1998 World Cup, another chapter in a rivalry shaped by sporting drama and historical tension.

Tuchel opens up about his own superstitions

While Tuchel admitted he was unaware of the shirt’s historic significance before being informed, the England boss revealed he too follows superstitious routines.“I have my superstitious habits. I won’t tell you because another superstition is that if I tell you it won’t work,” he said with a smile. “We have routines that keep you grounded and calm throughout the day, and that’s not going to change. Of course, we also have our good luck charms and those things are normal in high-level sport.”However, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni dismissed suggestions that the decision was rooted in superstition.“Well, I didn’t ask for blue. I don’t know who did, but maybe it’s tradition,” Scaloni said. “I really don’t know. I can’t speak to that.”Wednesday’s semi-final promises to be another memorable installment in one of the World Cup’s greatest rivalries. Chasing their first World Cup finals since 1966, England face an Argentina side that has won all six of their games in the tournament and come to Atlanta hoping the famous navy blue kit can once again inspire victory over their old rivals.