World champions Spain will unveil a new-look strip for their Nations League showdown with England at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening, incorporating two notable additions under FIFA regulations.
Luis de la Fuente's squad are returning to competitive action for the first time since winning the World Cup, when Ferran Torres' extra-time strike proved decisive as Spain edged past Argentina in the final, securing the trophy for only the second time in their history.
Second gold star added to crest
Spain's World Cup triumph means their strip will now boast a second gold star above the team's crest, sitting alongside the one earned following their maiden victory in 2010.
Spanish players will also be entitled to wear a gold badge on the chest of their shirts to celebrate their World Cup success, similar to the emblem former champions Argentina previously sported depicting an outline of the trophy with the words "FIFA World Champions 2022".
FIFA and UEFA regulations
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 list of eligible competitions encompasses both the men's and women's World Cups, the Futsal World Cup, the Beach Soccer World Cup and the Club World Cup.
UEFA allows badge in Nations League
While the Nations League falls under UEFA's jurisdiction, the European governing body allows nations to acknowledge their World Cup triumphs. 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 adopts a somewhat different position, permitting nations to commemorate continental honours during qualification for FIFA competitions, but not while participating in the tournaments themselves.
Spain's European champions status
Spain previously sported a silver crest to mark their status as European champions throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign. Former World Cup champions Argentina have been stripped of their golden crest, though they retain the right to display a Copa America winners' badge until the continental competition resumes in 2028.
This will be the first meeting between the two nations since Mikel Oyarzabal's late winner sealed the European Championship for Spain, who overcame England 2-1 in that final. De la Fuente made four alterations to his World Cup-winning squad, with the changes attributed to injuries, suspension and international retirement.
When pressed on his selection, the Spain manager said: "How could there not be continuity with players who are champions of everything?"
