The U.S. men's national soccer team has unveiled their new uniforms for the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, but the design has drawn mixed reactions from fans. The kit, produced by Nike, features two jerseys: a 'stars' and a 'stripes' version.
The 'stripes' kit, with red and white wavy lines meant to evoke a waving flag, has been compared to the character from the children's puzzle books Where's Waldo? (known as Where's Wally? in the UK). Fans have also likened it to a candy cane or toothpaste. 'Personally, I'm a big Where's Waldo fan,' joked one fan, while another said: 'It's giving Where's Waldo.'
Not all feedback was positive. 'Will the U.S. ever get a decent kit!?!?' complained one fan. 'Why do we have the ugliest kit every World Cup?!?' added another. However, some appreciated the return of the 'Waldo' style, which was the primary kit from 2012 to 2014.
The 'stars' kit is a more understated navy blue design with subtle black stars and red trim. For the first time, all 27 U.S. Soccer national teams, including the women's team, will wear the same two kits.
Nike's global product director Ronnie J. Stewart said both kits offer 'something for everybody.' The kits will debut in friendlies against Belgium on March 28 and Portugal on March 31. USMNT forward Folarin Balogun noted that several teammates wanted the 'Where's Waldo' theme, though he personally prefers the 'stealthiness' of the blue stars kit.
