Argentina's coaches scoured local markets in Mexico City for light-weight attire to combat the sweltering heat before their quarterfinal showdown with England.
The clock is ticking down to the 2026 World Cup, and with each passing day, anticipation builds for the tournament's return to North America. As the big event draws near, we're shining a spotlight on what makes it so extraordinary – even with an expanded field in this year's global competition.
Related ↗Red Bull's F1 engine performance leaves ADUO stunned.Argentina's 1986 World Cup triumph is shrouded in legend, but an unusual anecdote from their campaign stands out - a wardrobe malfunction that occurred towards the end of the tournament in sweltering Mexico City.
Argentina's quarterfinal showdown with England sparked concerns among manager Carlos Bilardo about the team's attire. The problem lay in England's all-white uniform, forcing Argentina to don a darker hue to avoid confusion on the pitch. But the proposed blue uniforms posed another issue: their thick cotton fabric made them unsuitable for the sweltering conditions.
Read next ↗Dutch cyclist Demi Vollering triumphs in the women's Giro d'Italia, completing a rare feat.Get ready to join the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by competing in the Soccer Pick 'Em contest with FOX Sports.
Héctor Zelada, the Argentine goalkeeper who had recently joined Club América, recommended exploring Tepito's infamous streets in Mexico City to find affordable gear. The neighborhood was notorious for its counterfeit goods, which included a batch of suspicious blue polyester jerseys bearing the Le Coq Sportif logo - the official kit maker for Argentina at that time.
Diego Maradona was said to have made the crucial decision between two alternative kit designs that had been sent back for consideration.
Argentina's World Cup kits underwent modifications to meet FIFA standards: AFA patches were hastily attached alongside player numbers by kitmen who prioritized speed over precision. The team's uniform was cobbled together with a focus on completion rather than perfection, ultimately being ready just in time for the intense quarterfinal match.
Argentina's World Cup campaign took an interesting turn when Diego Maradona gave his seal of approval to the team's attire, but what he did next was far more remarkable: Argentina secured a 2-1 victory over England, thanks in part to the infamous "Hand of God" goal, which saw Maradona use his hand to score.
A Diego Maradona jersey from the pivotal 1986 quarterfinal is set for auction in 2022.
Argentina's 1986 World Cup triumph began with an infamous fashion statement: their jerseys became synonymous with a historic victory. A Maradona jersey from that era was sold at auction for $8.93 million, a staggering sum. The team went on to defeat Belgium and West Germany, securing the World Cup title for the second time.
The clock is ticking down to the2026 World Cup, and with each passing day, anticipation builds for the tournament's return to North America. As the big event draws near, we're shining a spotlight on what makes it so extraordinary – even with an expanded field in this year's global competition.
