England's Greatest World Cup Kits Ranked as 2026 Design Nears Release
As the final international break of the season approaches, football fans are turning their attention to the upcoming World Cup. While the on-pitch action remains the main event, the unveiling of new kits—with England's set for Friday—provides an exciting bonus for supporters worldwide.
England has been drawn into Group L for the North American tournament, meaning they'll be among the last teams to showcase their new kit in competitive matches. Despite this, leaks have already surfaced, offering glimpses of how the Three Lions will appear when they face Croatia in their opening match on June 17.
The tradition of wearing England retro football shirts during tournaments remains strong, with many fans choosing older designs to commemorate favorite tournaments or iconic kits from years past. As England prepares for its 17th appearance at a men's World Cup finals, we explore the nine best kits from their history, alongside details about the forthcoming 2026 design.
9. 2010 Home Kit
The 2010 World Cup proved disappointing for England, marked by goalkeeper Rob Green's error against the United States and an early exit against Germany in the round of 16. The home kit, rarely seen in celebratory moments, exemplified a less-is-more approach with clean lines and minimal detailing. Unfortunately, this philosophy extended to England's performances under manager Fabio Capello.
8. 2002 Home Kit
Before the 2002 tournament, discussions centered on David Beckham's recovery from a metatarsal injury. Once play began, attention shifted to England's distinctive home kit featuring a bold red stripe on a white background paired with dark blue shorts. Though Beckham's memorable penalty against Argentina came in the red away shirt, the home design stood out despite England's quarter-final elimination by eventual champions Brazil.
7. 1998 Away Kit
England's 1998 away shirt presented a striking combination of two red shades, accented by a blue collar and white numbering. Worn only once during the World Cup—in a crucial group stage victory over Colombia—it later appeared in Euro 2000 qualifiers with red shorts instead of white. This kit remains associated with England's dramatic tournament exit, though the home shirt from that year holds greater iconic status.
6. 2022 Away Kit
England's 2022 away kit featured a lighter red hue than previous versions, with an all-red design marking a departure from traditional change strips. First worn in a Nations League match against Germany before the Qatar tournament, it gained popularity despite never appearing in World Cup matches, as England wore their white home kit throughout their five-game run to the quarter-finals.
5. 1990 Home Kit
The 1990 home kit represents one of England's most iconic designs, worn during their emotional semi-final exit against West Germany. Featuring a classic white shirt with dark blue shorts and an elegant collar, this kit appeared in all of England's matches in Italy and became synonymous with the team's memorable campaign.
4. 1998 Home Kit
Following the grey kit associated with Gareth Southgate's penalty miss at Euro 96, England aimed for happier memories with their 1998 home design. Recognizable for its red and blue side panels and centered badge, this kit witnessed Michael Owen's legendary goal against Argentina. Sadly, it also saw David Beckham's red card in the same match, creating a complex legacy.
3. 1966 Away Kit
England's red 1966 away shirt holds unique historical significance as the only kit in which they've won a World Cup. Worn during the final victory over West Germany, its simple yet powerful design has inspired numerous homages over the decades, securing its place among football's most celebrated kits.
2. 1990 Third Kit
Proof that a great World Cup kit doesn't require tournament appearances, England's 1990 third strip featured a striking blue design worn only once—against Turkey in 1991. Despite minimal on-field use, it gained popularity among fans and remains a cherished retro item, demonstrating how kit appeal can transcend match results.
1. 1982 Home Kit
Topping our ranking is the 1982 home kit by Admiral, which creatively incorporated red, white, and blue through distinctive color blocking and shading. Often imitated but never replicated, this design accompanied England's undefeated campaign in Spain, where they were eliminated in the second group stage without losing a single match.
England's 2026 Kits
With the World Cup 2026 approaching, England's new kit will officially launch on Friday, though leaks have already revealed details including the phrase Happy and Glorious on the collar. The team will wear traditional white for home matches and red for away games when color clashes occur in North America.
The expanded 48-team format offers more opportunities to showcase different kits across matches in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. If England achieves another deep tournament run, these new designs could become familiar sights throughout the summer, potentially joining the ranks of iconic kits remembered by future generations.
