Argentina’s retro kit fuels nostalgia in English clash

Argentina’s Pumas advanced to the Nations Championship semi‑final after a 2‑1 victory over England, a win that underlines their momentum heading into the 2026 World Cup final. The result secures their place in the next round and keeps their title hopes alive. The Pumas stepped onto the pitch wearing a replica of the dark‑blue jersey from the 1986 FIFA World Cup, the same kit in which Diego Maradona scored the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England. The historic shirt was chosen deliberately to evoke that legendary moment. Getty Images highlighted the look‑alike jersey, noting it mirrored the exact design worn during the 1986 quarter‑final win over England. The image series underscored the visual link between the two eras.

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“Memories that span generations and remain alive in the collective memory. Today that legacy dresses up again,” Los Pumas posted on X, emphasizing the symbolic weight of the replica. The rivalry intensified after Argentina came from behind last week to beat the Three Lions 2‑1, prompting players to display a banner reading ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, which led FIFA to consider disciplinary action. The banner referenced the disputed Falkland Islands.

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Ahead of the match, England switched hotels in Buenos Aires to avoid disruption from World Cup celebrations should Argentina triumph over Spain in the final. The contest took place at Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero, with Steve Borthwick’s England side seeking a sixth successive win over the Pumas. England had thrashed Fiji 73‑8 the previous weekend, ending a five‑match losing run, while Argentina beat Wales 35‑21 after a narrow loss to Scotland in their Nations opener. Maradona’s influence on Argentina’s 1986 World Cup success was recalled in a Getty Images feature, linking the historic triumph to the rugby match’s nostalgic attire.