Argentina Wear Replica of 1986 World Cup Kit Against England

Argentina's national rugby union team, the Pumas, wore a replica of the country's 1986 FIFA World Cup kit during their Nations Championship match against England. The dark blue jersey was famously worn by Argentina's football team when they defeated England 2-1 in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, a match immortalized by Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal and his brilliant second. Argentina went on to win that tournament.

The Pumas normally wear Argentina's traditional white and light blue striped kit. On social media platform X, the team posted: "Memories that span generations and remain alive in the collective memory. Today that legacy dresses up again."

The sporting rivalry between the two nations intensified last week when Argentina's football team dramatically came from behind to beat England 2-1 and reach the 2026 World Cup final. After that match, Argentina players held up a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine). FIFA is considering whether to punish Argentina for the banner, which references the Falkland Islands – a British Overseas Territory subject to a sovereignty dispute between the UK and Argentina.

Ahead of the rugby fixture, England's team switched hotels in Buenos Aires to avoid disruption from potential World Cup celebrations if Argentina's football team beat Spain in Sunday's final.

The Nations Championship match is taking place at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero. Steve Borthwick's side aims for their sixth consecutive victory over Argentina. Last weekend, England thrashed Fiji 73-8 to end a five-match losing streak, while Argentina beat Wales 35-21 after losing 47-38 to Scotland in their opening Nations Championship match.