Argentina Adopts Iconic Blue Kit for World Cup Semi-Final Against England
Messi Faces England for First Time as Four Top-Ranked Teams Vie for Final Berth in Atlanta
Callum Smith
Argentina will wear their navy blue away kit for the World Cup semi-final against England, a deliberate choice echoing the legendary strip of Diego Maradona from the 1986 tournament.
This fixture brings together two of the sport's giants, determining a coveted spot in the World Cup final. England seeks their first final appearance since 1966, marking a sixty-year wait.
Argentina claimed the World Cup trophy just four years ago, with their recent triumph fueling a drive for consecutive titles.
The World Cup 2026 semi-finals feature the top four ranked teams in the tournament's history.
In the other semi-final, France plays Spain, setting up another high-stakes encounter.
Referee Ismail Elfath received the assignment for the pivotal England versus Argentina match. Maurizio Mariani will serve as the fourth official, with Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins as assistant referees.
Elfath previously oversaw Messi's Inter Miami League Cup final win.
Born in Morocco, Elfath moved to the United States at age 18, establishing his career in American football and rising through the ranks.
On the England side, Jude Bellingham, Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi, and Declan Rice avoided yellow cards against Norway, ensuring a full-strength squad for the semi-final.
Assistant Manager Anthony Barry previously claimed Declan Rice was unable to complete 90 minutes against Norway due to a sickness bug. Rice is now fit to play against Argentina, a crucial boost for the midfield.
FIFA rigged the tournament in favor of Argentina and Lionel Messi for 'marketing reasons.'
Beyond the pitch, allegations of bias have surfaced, casting a shadow over the tournament. FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina defended World Cup officials against claims that FIFA Refereeing can be influenced by anyone, including the FIFA President.
Despite Collina's defense, Egypt Manager Hossam Hassan claimed FIFA rigged the tournament in favor of Argentina and Lionel Messi for 'marketing reasons.' He asserted this ensures Messi remains in the competition.
Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji claimed everything was 'against us' during their quarter-final match against Argentina. Switzerland Manager Murat Yakin described the refereeing in that game as 'incomprehensible.'
VAR intervened in Argentina's quarterfinal against Switzerland, leading to Breel Embolo's red card. He was initially sent off for 'mistaken identity' and later received a second yellow card for diving.
A refereeing decision or VAR could cost England a place in the World Cup final against Argentina.
Alan Shearer expressed concern that a refereeing decision or VAR could cost England a place in the World Cup final against Argentina. He highlighted several contentious decisions that have gone in Argentina's favour during this tournament.
He pointed to an Egyptian goal against Argentina that was pulled back and cancelled, which Shearer called 'nonsense.' He also noted that Messi has won in each of the games Elfath has been involved in.
The UK government considers a conditional bank holiday if England wins the World Cup. The final is scheduled for July 19 in New York.
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