Argentina have been granted permission to wear their navy blue change kit against England after FIFA approved a special request ahead of Wednesday night’s World Cup semi-final.The reigning world champions will swap their famous sky blue and white stripes for an alternative strip at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium after asking football’s governing body for permission.According to reports in Argentina, the request was made by Lionel Scaloni’s camp, with FIFA subsequently confirming the colour allocation for the last-four showdown.Argentina will therefore take to the field wearing navy blue shirts, white shorts and red socks, while England will line up in their traditional white shirts.The decision is believed to carry symbolic significance.Argentina famously wore a dark blue shirt when Diego Maradona inspired his country to a controversial 2-1 victory over England at the 1986 World Cup, a match remembered for both the “Hand of God” goal and one of the greatest solo efforts in football history.Twelve years later, Argentina again faced England in an all-blue strip during their dramatic penalty shootout victory at the 1998 World Cup in France, a contest also remembered for David Beckham’s red card after an off-the-ball incident involving Diego Simeone.Argentina have been granted permission to wear their navy blue change kit against England after FIFA approved a special request ahead of Wednesday night’s World Cup semi-final | GETTYArgentina have worn their dark blue away kit just once during this summer’s World Cup | GETTYArgentina specifically requested to wear their change colours in an apparent nod to those famous encounters with England.The unusual request has now been approved, with FIFA’s official match colour designation confirming Argentina’s kit choice for the semi-final.Lionel Messi and his team-mates head into the match looking to move one step closer to defending the trophy they lifted four years ago.Every team to have won the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWSArgentina booked their place in the last four after overcoming Switzerland 3-1 following extra time, with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sealing victory after Dan Ndoye had forced the tie beyond 90 minutes.The South Americans have endured a testing route through the knockout rounds, having also survived narrow victories over Cape Verde and Egypt before eliminating Switzerland.England, meanwhile, secured their place in the semi-finals after a dramatic comeback victory over Norway.Jude Bellingham scored twice as Thomas Tuchel’s side recovered to win 2-1 in extra time and remain on course to reach a first World Cup final since 1966.England beat Argentina when the two sides last met in the 2002 World Cup | GETTYWednesday’s meeting will be the sixth World Cup encounter between England and Argentina, with the rivalry producing some of the most memorable and controversial moments in tournament history.The last time they met on the big stage, back in 2002, England won 1-0 with David Beckham scoring a penalty. The Three Lions also beat their rivals in a friendly in November 2005, with Michael Owen scoring two late goals in a thrilling 3-2 victory.How Wednesday night’s match plays out is something only time will tell.