Eight MLS Clubs Set to Unleash Nostalgic Throwback Jerseys in 2026
Additional jerseys are heading to Major League Soccer clubs in 2026.
Although every team is expected to unveil at least one home or away jersey for 2026, eight franchises will receive "Archive Kits," as reported by trusted source Footy Headlines.
During 2025, 10 clubs had third jerseys launched, all featuring either retro or retro-inspired designs. This program followed an original five-team third jersey launch in 2024, which showcased a comparable concept for Inter Miami, LAFC, the LA Galaxy, Sporting Kansas City and Portland Timbers.
For 2026 however, the roster of teams receiving additional jersey choices will expand further with Austin FC, the Chicago Fire, Houston Dynamo, CF Montréal, Orlando City, Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps FC all obtaining new jerseys as part of the "Archive Kits" series.
Following the original report, adidas published a magazine verifying that eight clubs will receive new uniforms in 2026, featuring retro MLS branding that matches the colors of the previously mentioned teams.
No preview images have surfaced showing what the uniforms might look like, but many of the featured teams possess extensive histories in MLS and elsewhere, with Chicago being a founding franchise and Houston entering MLS in 2006. Additionally, CF Montréal traces back to 1992 as the Montreal Impact and Vancouver represents the oldest Canadian soccer organization, established in 1974.
These genuine legacies should provide plenty of inspiration for the new uniforms scheduled for release in 2026, though there's no certainty that a direct retro design is part of the strategy.
Previously, a limited number of MLS franchises would obtain third jerseys as part of their uniform collection, with adidas establishing demanding criteria for primary and secondary jersey sales to qualify teams for third jersey consideration.
Although third jerseys appeared briefly during the mid-2010s, MLS and adidas ended the program for multiple years, before beginning to bring back the option in 2024 with the original five retro designs.
The 2026 MLS campaign will stand as one of the most significant in the league's existence, as the 30 teams aim to capitalize on the anticipated surge that will accompany the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.