England manager Thomas Tuchel admits he understands why Argentina have chosen to wear their iconic dark blue away kit in their 2026 World Cup semi-final on Wednesday and says he would have made the same decision if there had been superstition behind it.The defending champions will swap out the traditional sky blue and white stripes for dark blue stripes closely associated with some of Argentina’s most famous victories over England at the World Cup.Ahead of the blockbuster game in Atalanta, Tuchel acknowledged the importance of rituals and good luck charms in elite sport. Tuchel told reporters: “If there was any superstition, I would do the same thing.” “That’s a lot of credit to them. I didn’t realize it.”
Why Argentina’s dark blue jersey is important
The dark blue jersey holds a special place in Argentinian football history.Argentina’s memorable 2-1 victory over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals. The game is remembered for the infamous “Hand of God” goal and a stunning individual goal that later became known as the “Goal of the Century”.Argentina wore the same colors when they knocked out England in a 2-2 penalty shootout draw in the last 16 of the 1998 World Cup, another chapter in a rivalry shaped by sporting drama and historical tensions.
Tuchel reveals his superstition
While Tuchel admitted he was unaware of the shirt’s historical significance until he was informed, the England manager revealed he also followed a superstitious routine.“I have my superstitious habits. I won’t tell you because the other superstition is that if I told you, it wouldn’t work,” he said with a laugh. “We have a routine that keeps you grounded and calm throughout the day and that doesn’t change. Of course, we also have our lucky charms and these things are normal in high-level sport.”However, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni dismissed suggestions that the decision was based on superstition.“Well, I didn’t ask for the blue one. I don’t know who asked for it, but maybe it’s tradition,” Scaloni said. “I really don’t know. I can’t talk about it.”Wednesday’s semi-final will be another memorable match in one of the most exciting matches in the World Cup. England, who are competing for a first World Cup final since 1966 against Argentina, who have won all six of their games at the tournament, arrive in Atlanta hoping the famous dark blue jersey can inspire another victory over their old rivals.
