Exclusive First Look: adidas Unveils Stunning 2026 World Cup Away Kits for Spain, Argentina and More
Adidas unveiled multiple nations' alternate uniforms for the 2026 World Cup on Friday, offering supporters a preview of what their beloved athletes will wear during the tournament.
The athletic apparel company clearly aimed for a "fashionable" aesthetic, imagining these solid-colored jerseys styled with loose-fitting denim and utility trousers. All uniforms in this collection, made with jacquard materials, showcase three stripes running across and down the shoulders plus a thick-collared V-neckline. Most designs, particularly minimalist in approach, feature pastel shades—a color palette from the early 1990s that has regained popularity alongside other retro fashion trends.
Adidas pursued a 90s aesthetic to complement the comeback of its iconic trefoil emblem, the three-leaf symbol that hasn't graced World Cup gear since Italy's 1990 tournament. The trefoil appears on the jersey's right chest area, positioned above the player number and across from the national crest.
"As we approach a massive World Cup, spanning three remarkable host countries, we believed it was an appropriate and inspiring time to return the trefoil to football's grandest platform," stated adidas football general manager Sam Handy.
"This represents a pivotal moment in football culture. Its influence reaches more lifestyles and cultural niches than ever, with the jersey serving as perhaps the most authentic expression of this phenomenon. These designs honor each nation while providing fans with football apparel that seamlessly transitions from field to street."
Below, Sports Illustrated examines adidas's revealed uniforms for the qualifying nations.
Algeria
This uniform features vertical green bands against a deeper green backdrop. The single-color design honors Algeria's distinctive terrain and verdant oases, per adidas.
Argentina
The flowing design of blues and white creates visual impact against the black base, drawing inspiration from Argentina's cultural artistry.
Belgium
The overlapping lines and forms in soft pink and blue mirror Belgium's surrealist art movement and honor Belgian creator René Magritte.
Colombia
Colombia's uniform celebrates the country's remarkable biodiversity, blending the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean with the brighter blue of the Caribbean Sea.
Curaçao
The vibrant Curaçao uniform mirrors the iconic multicolored structures in capital city Willemstad.
Germany
This uniform displays angled chevrons forming recurring patterns. The blue shade references the country's practice gear from the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
Japan
Japan's banded uniform incorporates 12 different colors working together to symbolize national unity and connection. Eleven subtle stripes represent the 11 field players.
Mexico
Mexico's uniform features understated grey graphics, echoing classic Grecas designs from Mexican buildings and artwork.
Qatar
The white uniform displays a delicate, grey undulating design representing the nation's desert sand formations.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's uniform incorporates elements of textile patterns found in Saudi traditional clothing, honoring the nation's sartorial heritage.
Scotland
Scotland's uniform incorporates burgundy elements, referencing many of Scotland's historical, traditional uniforms. The purple thin stripes add a sophisticated appearance.
South Africa
South Africa's uniform radiates sophistication through its golden highlights. The green and gold pairing represents a color scheme fundamental to the country's athletic heritage.
Spain
The detailed designs on Spain's uniform foundation draw from illustrations and text found in Spain's historical books and documents, celebrating the country's literary legacy. The cream shade evokes a manuscript page.