Spain will wear a new-look kit for their upcoming Nations League clash against England, with the reigning world champions set to face the Three Lions at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Luis de la Fuente’s side are preparing to return to action for the first time since lifting the World Cup in July. Ferran Torres’ strike in extra time was enough for Spain to defeat Argentina in the final and clinch the famous trophy for the second time in the country’s history.
Kit Changes Under FIFA Rules
Spain’s kit will feature two new details under FIFA rules, despite competing in a UEFA competition. Their recent World Cup glory means Spain’s kit will feature a second gold star above the team’s badge. The new star will feature alongside the one that Spain earned after winning the 2010 World Cup.
In addition, Spanish players will be permitted to wear a gold badge on the chest of their shirts to commemorate their World Cup win. Previous champions Argentina wore a gold crest that showed an outline of the trophy along with the words “FIFA World Champions 2022”.
Regulations and Badge Eligibility
Section 9B of FIFA’s equipment regulations states: “Subject to the applicable terms and conditions of use issued by FIFA and any regulations specific to the respective competition, the Team that won the most recent edition of any of the following Competitions may display a FIFA World Champions Badge on its Shirts in all competitions and International Friendly Matches (as applicable) while still the reigning champions.”
The competition list includes both men’s and women’s World Cups, Futsal World Cup, Beach Soccer World Cup and Club World Cup. The Nations League is a UEFA competition but the European governing body allows nations to acknowledge their World Cup victories.
Article 39.04 of UEFA’s equipment regulations explains: “The reigning men’s or women’s FIFA World Cup titleholder may wear the FIFA World Cup winner’s badge during the qualifying competition and final tournament of the subsequent UEFA European Football Championship or UEFA European Women’s Championship as applicable, as well as in the following UEFA Nations League (league phase and finals).”
FIFA takes a slightly different stance, with countries allowed to celebrate continental titles during qualifying for FIFA competitions but not while competing in tournaments. Spain previously wore a silver crest to celebrate being European champions during their World Cup qualifiers.
Team Selection and Upcoming Matches
Former World Cup winners Argentina have lost their gold World Cup crest but can still display a Copa America winners’ badge until the continental tournament returns in 2028. Spain will be focused on proving their status as world and European champions against England this weekend.
De la Fuente named four changes to his World Cup-winning squad, with the rotations due to injuries, suspension and international retirement. When asked about his team selection, the Spain boss said: “How could there not be continuity with players who are champions of everything?”
Meanwhile, Wales began their Nations League campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Portugal on Thursday. Craig Bellamy’s side are next in action against Denmark on Sunday, with two other Nations League group stage matches on the horizon during the expanded international break.
