‘I’ll do the same’: Thomas Tuchel in iconic dark blue jersey Argentina selection for England World Cup semi-final | Football News
England head coach Thomas Tuchel admitted he understood why Argentina chose to wear their iconic dark blue away jersey for Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal, saying 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 the dark blue stripes that have become 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 lucky charms in elite sport. “I would have done the same if there is any superstition combined with it,” said Tuchel to reporters. “So credit to them. I didn’t know that.”
Why the dark blue Argentina jersey is important
The dark blue kit occupies a special place in Argentine football history.It was the jersey worn by Diego Maradona during Argentina’s unforgettable 2-1 victory over England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals, a game remembered for the fearsome “Hand of God” goal and the incredible solo effort later christened 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 did not know the significance of the jersey’s history before discovering it, the England boss revealed that he also follows superstitions.“I have my superstitious routines, I will not tell you because another superstition is that if I tell you, it will not work,” he said with a smile. “We have routines that keep you strong and calm throughout the day, and that will not change. We have, of course, also our lucky charms, and these things are only normal in high-level sport.”However, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni rejected suggestions that the decision was rooted in superstition.“Well, I didn’t ask for the blue. I don’t know who did, but maybe it’s tradition,” Scaloni said. “I really don’t know. I can’t say that.”Wednesday’s semi-finals promise another memorable episode of one of the World Cup’s greatest rivals. England, chasing their first World Cup final since 1966, face an Argentina side that has won all six of their tournament matches and arrive in Atlanta hoping that the famous dark blue jersey will inspire another victory against their rivals.
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