The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has officially granted a special request from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) ahead of the 2026 World Cup semi-final match against England at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. La Albiceleste are confirmed to wear their dark blue away jersey, instead of their traditional blue-and-white striped kit.
This decision evokes deep nostalgia for football fans worldwide. The combination of dark blue shirt, white shorts, and red socks is synonymous with Argentina's legendary victory over England at the 1986 World Cup featuring Diego Maradona's iconic heroics, as well as their dramatic penalty shootout win in the round of 16 at the 1998 World Cup.
Good news also came for Lionel Scaloni's squad after two key pillars, Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes, were declared fit to play. Both players, who were substituted due to fatigue during the quarter-final match against Switzerland, were confirmed to have suffered only minor cramps and no serious structural injuries.
Welcoming the crucial phase of the tournament, FIFA together with Adidas also officially unveiled a special match ball named "Trionda Final". Designed exclusively for the semi-finals through the final, the ball features a yellow, black, and white pattern complete with graphics of the names of the 16 host cities as a tribute to the host nations.
Meanwhile, from the European transfer market, Manchester United moved quickly to secure the services of Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans after triggering his €41 million release clause. In Asia, the UAE Football Association officially appointed Zlatko Dalic, the coach who led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, as their new manager on a long-term contract until 2030.
