England manager Thomas Tuchel has played down FIFA’s approval of Argentina’s special request to wear their navy blue kit in Wednesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final, insisting he has no concerns over the decision.
The reigning world champions sought permission from FIFA to ditch their traditional light blue and white stripes in favour of their navy blue strip for the last-four encounter against England, and the request was granted.
Argentina have worn their iconic home colours in five of their six matches at the tournament, with the only exception being their group-stage victory over Jordan, when they appeared in the navy blue kit.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Tuchel suggested he would have made the same decision if he believed the jersey brought good fortune.
“Argentina plays in blue? And we play in white? And that is because Argentina is superstitious or it is a lucky shirt? They chose this?” Tuchel said.
“I would have done the same. If there was any superstition combined with it, I would have done the same.”
England will be aiming to book a place in the World Cup final by ending Argentina’s title defence in what promises to be one of the tournament’s biggest matches.
