Sports
Why Argentina National Team is Called ‘La Scaloneta’
Argentina have long been known as ‘La Albiceleste‘, a reference to the iconic home kit of their national team, but in recent years, another nickname has become just as closely associated with the reigning world champions: ‘La Scaloneta‘.
The nickname has exploded in popularity during Argentina’s remarkable run of recent success, becoming a rallying cry for supporters as the team ended a 28-year trophy drought before going on to conquer the world.
What started as a light-hearted term has since evolved into a symbol of unity, resilience and one of the most successful eras in the nation’s football history.
Explained: Why Argentina’s National Team is Called ‘La Scaloneta’
After taking over Argentina’s national team in 2018, Lionel Scaloni was left with one of the biggest tasks in world football, ending what was then, a 25-year trophy drought. His appointment followed Jorge Sampaoli’s resignation, for whom Scaloni was an assistant, and was met with widespread criticism from across the nation.
Speaking to Clarin, via El Tiempo, Argentinian legend Diego Maradona claimed that the new manager was “unqualified”, adding that:
“Scaloni is a great guy, but he couldn’t even direct traffic.”
But Scaloni refused to succumb to the doubters, and guided Argentina to their first trophy since the 1993 Copa América, with their triumph at the 2021 edition of the tournament.
After a 3-0 win over Ecuador in the quarter-finals, a meme went viral on social media, featuring Scaloni driving a van, with Messi at his side and the rest of the team in the back. The vehicle was adorned with the colour of the national team’s kit, with the phrase ‘La Scaloneta’, a combination of the manager’s name and the Spanish term ‘camioneta’, meaning ‘bus’, written on top.
After securing the 2021 Copa América, Scaloni oversaw their 3-0 victory over Italy in the 2022 Finalissima at Wembley Stadium, before winning their first World Cup in 36 years with their title in 2022.
The head coach’s most recent success came at the 2024 Copa América in the US, with Lautaro Martinez’ strike just eight minutes before penalties securing a 1-0 win over Columbia and back-to-back continental titles.
What Other Nicknames Do Argentina Have?
Before their recent domination, the Argentinian national team were often referred to by a different nickname: ‘La Albiceleste’.
Translating directly as ‘the white and sky blue’, the term refers to the coloured stripes that feature on the Argentinian national team’s home kit, borrowing its colour palette from the nation’s flag.
The iconic stripes have featured on their kit for well over 100 years, but their 2026 World Cup jersey features a subtle nod to their previous successes.
This year’s kit features three vertical blue stripes that each fade through a two-tone gradient. The three shades of blue used have been taken from each World Cup winning kit, with their victories in 1978, 1986 and 2022 honored throughout the strip.
Whilst all World Cup winners will have a gold star for every victory above their crest, Argentina’s 2026 kit features another discreet nod to their past, with the years of their titles detailed within each star.
The Argentinian national team are also sometimes referred to simply as ‘La Seleccion’, meaning ‘the selection’.
Sports
England Fans’ ‘Total Eclipse of Djed Spence’ World Cup Song Lyrics & Tune
England fans have never been shy about creating memorable terrace anthems, but their latest viral hit may be one of the most inventive yet. Inspired by Bonnie Tyler’s classic ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’, supporters have reworked the 1983 power ballad into a tribute for the Spurs and Three Lions full-back.
The chant first gained widespread attention after England’s victory over Norway, with its witty lyrics and theatrical delivery earning praise from fans, pundits and social media alike. Far more than a traditional football chant, it has become a full parody song, celebrating Spence’s rise while introducing a new tune to England’s summer soundtrack.
Story of Djed Spence England World Cup Song
One of Britain’s most popular football radio shows, BBC Radio 5 Live‘s 606, played host to the debut performance of the anthem. Former Premier League players Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton were leading England’s conversation about its recent 2-1 win over Norway, when singer-songwriter Ben Cipolla and his friend Dan phoned up the live show.
What followed was a dedicated ballad, complete with guitar and backing vocals, honoring the 25-year-old’s contribution to England’s run deep into the 2026 World Cup.
The song ‘Total Eclipse of Djed Spence’ was written and performed by Wiltshire-born singer-songwriter Ben Cipolla, whose musical influences include Nick Drake, Jack Johnson and John Martyn.
Djed Spence World Cup Song Lyrics
Turn Around, Djed Spence,
Every Now And Then He’s Called Upon,
Turn Around, Djed Spence,
Every Now And Then He’s Called Upon,
England Needs You Now Tonight,
England Needs You More Than Ever,
If Your Broken Jaw Was Tight,
Now It’s Fully Back Together,
And You Know You Can Play Left Or Right,
Down The Wing Your So Strong,
You Take A Player On, And Do A Brilliant Job,
You Should’ve Had A Pen From Being Tackled By Bobb
We Really Loved You Tonight,
Oh Djed, You’re Such A Star Tonight,
Oh Djed, You’re Such A Star,
Once Upon A Time, He Was Loaned Out To Rennes,
Now He’s One Of England’s Best,
Solid In Defense, Total Eclipse Of Djed Spence
With the sad news of Bonnie Tyler’s death just three days before England faced Norway, the parody song didn’t just sing the praises of Djed Spence and his England teammates, but provided a timely tribute to a pop legend.
The Welsh singer’s original song, ‘Total Eclipse of The Heart’, was released in February 1983, as the lead single from her fifth studio album, ‘Faster Than the Speed of Night’.
The song quickly became Tyler’s biggest hit, topping both the UK and US singles charts and selling over 13 million copies worldwide.
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England World Cup Quiz
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The catchy parody song comes after Djed Spence’s contribution to England’s effort in bringing football home from the 2026 World Cup.
The former Leeds and Nottingham Forest star earned his first England call-up in August 2025, before making his first England cap as a 69th minute replacement for Reece James in his side’s 5-0 victory over Serbia, on 9th September 2025, in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
At what is his first World Cup, the Tottenham Hotspur full-back, who has reportedly received interest from Liverpool this summer, has appeared in every one of his nation’s games so far, having been named in the starting XI for England’s 0-0 group stage draw with Ghana, as well as their round of 32 clash with the DR Congo.
Sports
Gianni Infantino at Risk of Losing FIFA Presidency to Dariusz Mioduski
It has been a World Cup in which FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sparked a lot of headlines. They say all publicity is good publicity, but for the Swiss football administrator, he may have drawn a little too much heat this summer, with reports suggesting his job is now at risk.
There have been several controversial incidents, with the most notable event coming when FIFA intervened to allow USMNT striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium despite his red card in the previous game. There were suggestions that Infantino bowed to pressure from US President Donald Trump, with whom his close relationship has been well-publicised and criticised.
As a result, there have been some calls for Infantino to step down, with England legend Gary Lineker calling his position as head of FIFA ‘untenable.’ According to new reports, the 56-year-old may now struggle to keep hold of his job in the next election.
UEFA Federations Consider New Candidate to Run Against Infantino
As per TalkSport, there are growing support from UEFA federations to back a candidate to run against Infantino at the next FIFA presidential election. In April, the Swiss administrator confirmed he plans on having a third term in charge, and had been hoping to run unopposed.
According to the new reports, however, his involvement with the Balogun World Cup red card suspenion has left many within UEFA unhappy. At the time, the European football association shared a strong statement, claiming that the decision had ‘crossed a red line’.
Subsequent reports have highlighted Infantino’s growing lack of popularity, with one senior football source explaining: “Infantino’s power has dried up, he is very isolated now – he will be a lame-duck president.”
While Infantino can say he was not directly involved, it’s perhaps not a great look for the president that the decision to suspend Balogun’s ban was reportedly taken solely by the chairman of FIFA’s disciplinary committee Mohammad Al-Kamali.
All this has now led to claims that there could be support for other candidates within UEFA when it comes to voting for a new FIFA boss.
Legia Warsaw Owner Dariusz Mioduski Emerges as Early Candidate
Not only is there talk that a new candidate could be put forward, but a figure has appeared as an early favourite for the job. While UEFA President Alexander Ceferin would be the most qualified name, the Slovenian lawyer is understood to be willing to continue in his current role. He had initially ruled out standing for a third full term until 2031, but is now ready to seek re-election if no other candidates step forward. The TalkSport report notes that Ceferin is not looking to go head-to-head with Infantino despite clashing on issues on a number of occasions.
It’s claimed that UEFA federations, including Belgium and Poland, would back a move for PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi to stand at the next election. But it’s stated that he has no such ambition to stand for office, so would take significant persuading.
As such, the most likely European candidate appears to be Legia Warsaw owner Dariusz Mioduski. The 62-year-old Polish lawyer is said to be one of the names discussed with Bosnian, Norwegian, Swedish, German and Spanish football federations considering possible European candidates.
Finally, outside of UEFA, CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani has been touted as a possible successor to Infantino. Both he and African Football president Patrice Motsepe, who is another name in the mix, are said to have aspirations of becoming FIFA president one day.
Sports
Why Argentina’s Dark Blue Away Kit is Considered ‘Lucky’
The iconic sky blue and white stripes of Argentina’s home kit may be one of the most recognisable shirts in world football, but it’s the nation’s dark blue away strip that has earned itself a reputation as being ‘lucky’.
Worn during some of the biggest victories in Albiceleste’s history, the strip has become synonymous with success on the grandest stage. Across decades of international competition, the blue shirt has appeared at pivotal moments when Argentina have needed it most.
Whether by chance or something more, its association with memorable triumphs has fueled a long-standing superstition among supporters, with each new success adding another chapter to the kit’s growing folklore.
Why Argentina’s Dark Blue Kit is ‘Lucky’
Due to the fact that England have been selected as the ‘home’ side ahead of their semi-final clash with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, and FIFA’s desire for a light-and-dark kit contrast to benefit TV viewers, the South-American side were always going to don their away strip.
However, even though the tournament organizers prefer both teams to wear their home colours if possible, the Argentinians requested to wear their second kit.
And whilst some have attributed the decision as a way to prevent a kit clash, Argentinian journalists have started to believe that the alternative strip could help deliver success on the pitch.
The dark blue shirt is supposedly linked to World Cup wins over England in 1986 and 1998.
In 1986, Diego Maradona scored two of the World Cup’s most famous goals of all time whilst wearing the changed strip. The first, now dubbed the ‘Hand of God’, saw the Argentinian rise above England keeper, Peter Shilton, and handle the ball, directing it goalward.
The second goal was remembered for more honorable reasons, with Maradona dribbling around five English players, before slotting home his second of the game, and scoring what became known as the ‘goal of the century’.
And in 1998, Argentina’s dark blue kit featured in another World Cup win against the English. After Alan Shearer and Gabriel Batistuta traded penalties in the opening ten minutes, goals from Javier Zanetti and Michael Owen saw the sides level as David Beckham was sent off early in the second half, after kicking out at Diego Simeone. The South Americans ended up winning 5-4 on penalties to advance to the quarter-finals.
Argentina wore dark blue kits in their World Cup victories against England in 1986 and 1998, but not in their World Cup 2002 defeat to the Three Lions, a game in which they wore the traditional ‘Albiceleste’ colours.
Argentina’s Shirt Colours Explained
Whilst Argentina have long been associated with their blue-and-white striped home shirt, the story behind their second kit stems from the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.
During the group stage, Argentina were drawn to face West Germany, whose home shirt was also predominantly white. At the time, Argentina did not travel with a change of kit, and were left to scramble for a replacement strip.
Enter Swedish club IFK Malmö. The Scandinavian side gave the Argentinian delegation their distinctive royal blue kit, allowing the game to go ahead.
However, Argentina lost the match 3-1, so the borrowed kits were initially remembered for the wrong reasons. Nevertheless, the colour remained associated with the national team, with the Argentine Football Association later adopting blue as the country’s official away colour.
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