diff --git a/t/t5404-tracking-branches.sh b/t/t5404-tracking-branches.sh
index c24003565d..2b8c0bac7d 100755
--- a/t/t5404-tracking-branches.sh
+++ b/t/t5404-tracking-branches.sh
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ test_expect_success 'prepare pushable branches' '
 '
 
 test_expect_success 'mixed-success push returns error' '
-	test_must_fail git push
+	test_must_fail git push origin :
 '
 
 test_expect_success 'check tracking branches updated correctly after push' '