World Cup 2026 kit ranking: Which teams are the fashionable winners and unstylish losers?

The World Cup is two weeks away, and there’s every reason to feel lukewarm or even conflicted.

The exorbitant ticket prices of World Cup tickets which has led to football’s governing body facing mounting legal pressure, making the whole tournament look like an elitist shamble.

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FIFA’s supposed political neutrality demolished by president Gianni Infantino and his sycophancy towards FIFA's inaugural Peace Price winner Donald Trump.

The Iranian FA stating that it “cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope” considering current geo-political events and renewed “defensive strikes”.

More than 120 organisations collectively issuing a “travel advisory” driven by what they call “the Trump administration’s violent and abusive immigration crackdown”...

It’s a lot.

In order to restore some semblance of sanity, Euronews Culture has gone through the kits of the 48 teams competing this year, assessing the most and least stylish kits which you'll see on the pitch this year. It won’t help much, but there may be some respite to be found in focusing on the intersection where sports fans and fashionistas join hands.

BEST: Argentina – Away kit

Argentina - ADIDAS - FIFA

Now this is how you play in style... This unique design features blue foliage over the black shirt, patterns inspired by Fileteado art. The traditional style, characterised by stylised lines and symmetries, is typically found in Buenos Aires, adorning signs, posters, buildings, and even taxis. It’s the perfect way of honoring the culture of Porteños as well as looking fierce.

WORST: USA – Home kit

USA - NIKE - FIFA

Granted, this year’s kit beats 2022’s plain white shirt. However, the fluttering red-and-white stripes feel too on-the-nose for the co-host nation. Especially this year, with all the flag-waving celebrations for the USA’s 250-year anniversary. The home kit does work in tandem with the away kit, which is plastered with stars. However, the whole thing feels a bit too “250 Freedom” / “Look Ma, I’m star-spangled awesome” for our taste.

BEST: Ghana – Home kit

Ghana - PUMA - FIFA

Inspired by Anansi, a figure from West African folklore associated with wisdom and cunning, this shirt is both vibrant and cleverly designed. The central Black Star and the cracks spreading from it recall a spider’s web – which is appropriate considering Anansi is depicted as a spider. Like the Argentina away kit, Ghana’s jersey does justice to both tradition and fashion.

WORST: Sweden – Away kit

Sweden - ADIDAS - FIFA

Sweden’s away shirts are far more interesting than their traditional yellow home kit, but this ripple pattern, subtle though it may be, is giving us a headache. And reminding us of octopus tentacles... Anyone hungry for pulpo right now?

BEST: France – Home kit

France - NIKE - FIFA

France usually gets it just right, and this year is no exception. Less flashy than their Euro 2024 shirt but significantly more stylish, this year’s gear gets everything right. The trademark blue, this time with a cool zig-zag pattern. The tidy white collar which adds a bit of contrast. And those impressive bronze textured logos for an extra bit of va-va-voom. Effortlessly suave.

WORST: England – Home kit

England - NIKE - FIFA

An obvious 90s Umbro callback, the 2026 design may not be an eyesore, but it certainly is one of the most boring. And don't get us started on that "Happy and glorious" inscription in the shirt. England, we wish you all the best during the tournament, but you haven't been happy or glorious since your win in 1966. Get over it.

BEST: Mexico – Home kit

Mexico - ADIDAS - FIFA

Unlike the US, co-host Mexico got their design spot-on. The green shirts are adorned with an Aztec Piedra del Sol calendar, which looks both elaborate and stunning. Also, the subtle use of the country’s flag colours works wonders. Top marks.

WORST: Brazil – Away kit

Brazil - JORDAN - FIFA

The positioning of the crest is great, and the yellow borders stand out. It’s also nice to see a shirt that isn’t Adidas or Nike, with this one designed in collaboration with the Jordan brand. So far, so good. However, the black and navy graphics can’t help but look like sweat stains. The design is reportedly inspired by the warning colours of the Amazon’s poison dart frog – a niche but nifty reference which works on a symbolic level. In practice, it doesn’t quite do it for us.

BEST: Nigeria – Away kit

Nigeria - NIKE - FIFA

Flag colours? Check. A simple but striking design completed by a stylish collar which brings it all together? Check. Kick-ass flames? CHECK.

WORST: Germany – Away kit

Germany - ADIDAS - FIFA

Die Mannschaft’s final kit produced by Adidas before Nike takes over in 2027 is a bit of a disappointment. Sure, the home shirt is a nostalgic nod to early 90s' yellow, black and red diamonds. But it’s underwhelming. As for the away shirt, it also features the diamonds but looks like an asthmatic Matrix screensaver. It would have been better to end the Adidas partnership with a bang. Instead, we get a wimper - something altogether more langweilig.

The World Cup kicks off 11 June and lasts until 19 July. The tournament will be hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

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