The World Cup is just two weeks away, yet discussions regarding the kits have been ongoing for some time. From inventive reinterpretations of beloved classics to fresh designs poised to become future icons, here are ten fashion selections to acquaint yourself with before the tournament commences.
Japan Away
Regardless of Japan's performance at the World Cup, their away kit, sported with a smile by attacking midfielder Takumi Minamino, has already triumphed in the fashion arena. It secured victory in a fan vote in April and was described, somewhat oddly, by FourFourTwo as "footballing porn." The shirt features twelve narrow multicolored stripes, one for each player on the pitch and an additional one for the fans. A meaningful message combined with an exceptionally stylish design.
Ghana Home
Similar to Japan's away shirt, Ghana's home kit incorporates a pencil sketch element, though it is far more intricate. The design utilizes a spider's web pattern, referencing Ananse, the spider character from the folklore of the Akan people in Ghana. Additionally, the shirt prominently displays a black star, a symbol from the national flag, positioned at the center of the web.
Mexico Home
While the United States dominates headlines, Mexico serves as a co-host for the tournament and may be the progressive choice for supporters. They will be delighted with this kit, which echoes the beloved design worn during France 1998. Inspired by the Aztec Piedra del Sol calendar and incorporating the colors of the Mexican flag, the shirt makes a powerful statement by referencing ancient indigenous culture. It looks particularly striking when paired with jorts, as demonstrated by winger Roberto Alvarado.
Saudi Arabia Home
Inspired by patterns found in traditional Saudi architecture and rendered in an unusual shade of green with purple accents, this shirt has the potential to become a classic, much like the 1998 Mexico kit. The addition of the emirate's emblem—a date palm and two swords—at the center back is a detail that shirt collectors will appreciate.
France Home
Finalists in 2022, France stand a strong chance of reaching the final again, currently ranked as second favorites. Regardless of their on-field performance, they are fashion's favorite team, thanks to the stylish outfits worn by players at their training camp. Their home kit, modeled by Eduardo Camavinga, does justice to this off-pitch flair. The trademark blue is enhanced with a zigzag pattern and the return of the white collar, a key feature of France's kit when they won the World Cup at home in 1998. This may bode well for their success at this tournament.
USA Home
Cheering on the USMNT might feel a bit awkward, as you will be joined by Donald Trump. However, it must be grudgingly admitted that they have a fantastic kit, a significant departure from the white kits of 2022, which were widely disliked by fans and players alike. Fast forward four years, and players such as midfielder Tyler Adams collaborated with Nike on a redesign. The result features wavy stripes of the national flag covering the kit, creating a striking design that is sure to be a hit with both fans and players.
Curaçao Away
Curaçao is the smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup, with a population of approximately 158,000, and its kit punches well above its weight. The design is clean and minimalist, elevated by classic three stripes in the country's colors and a simple trefoil logo. Let us hope we see plenty of this shirt as the underdog progresses far in the tournament.
Belgium Away
Belgium enjoys incorporating cultural references into their kits. For Euro 2024, they used the color scheme of Tintin's outfit, complete with brown shorts. This time, their away kit, modeled by Aston Villa's Amadou Onana, is reportedly inspired by René Magritte, Belgium's most famous surrealist, even if the color scheme closely resembles Japan's away shirt from the 2023 Women's World Cup. The true Magritte reference appears on the inside, where the text reads "Ceci n'est pas un maillot" ("This is not a shirt") in the artist's signature script. Très arty.
Norway Home
A return to the World Cup after 28 years is cause for celebration. Norway's kit, which pays homage to one from 1997, features a bold, flag-inspired design that is classic among football kits, reminiscent of Croatia's checkerboard pattern. GQ has praised the block color effect, which is refreshing when most kits now feature underlying patterns. Their away kit, meanwhile, is entirely black.
Scotland Away
Tartan may not seem a natural fit for football kits, but Scotland has made it work since the 1990s. For their first World Cup since 1998, the home kit breaks with tradition, featuring a lattice pattern in the trademark blue rather than tartan. It is the away kit, modeled by Bournemouth's Ryan Christie, that is truly striking. Paying homage to the coral design worn in the mid-1990s, this version has a cleaner look with no collar or button detailing, but retains a skinny purple stripe. Perhaps we can expect the Tartan Army to adopt coral.
