When jerseys also enter the race

VHO - Before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, another competition has heated up: the race for the best jerseys. Behind each design is not just aesthetic appeal, but also a story about history, culture, and identity that each nation wants to showcase to the world.

The jersey designs are creating a " fashion tournament" ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

1. Japan: The champion of minimalism

If the World Cup had a competition specifically for jersey design, Japan would probably have won the trophy early.

The away kit of the Japanese national team has received particular favor from fans, even winning a poll in April. The highlight lies in the 12 colored stripes running down the shirt, symbolizing the 11 players on the field and the fans – the “12th player”.

Its simple yet meaningful design has made it the most talked-about kit leading up to the World Cup.

The 12-stripe design on Japan's away kit is impressive because of its idea of ​​connecting players and fans.

2. Ghana: The Mark of Folklore

Ghana's home kit is one of the most iconic designs on the list.

The spider web pattern on the shirt is inspired by Ananse, a famous spider character in the folklore of the Akan people.

Ananse is considered one of the most important cultural symbols of Ghana and many West African countries, appearing in oral traditions passed down through generations.

The black star on the Ghanaian flag is also placed in the center, creating a focal point that evokes national pride.

The spiderweb pattern and black star give Ghana's jersey its distinctive look.

3. Mexico: Bringing the Aztec civilization to the football pitch.

As one of the three co-hosting nations of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico is bringing a historically significant kit to the tournament.

The design is inspired by the Piedra del Sol – the famous Aztec solar calendar – and uses familiar colors from the Mexican flag.

The Aztec civilization flourished in Central America before the arrival of the Spanish. To this day, Aztec symbols remain an important source of inspiration in Mexican art and culture.

Mexico's home jersey is striking with its design inspired by the Aztec solar calendar.

4. Saudi Arabia: Middle Eastern Identity in a Modern Look

Saudi Arabia chose a different approach by incorporating motifs from traditional architecture into their jerseys.

The green background is combined with purple details to create a distinctive look. Notably, the back of the shirt features a date palm tree and two swords – the national emblem of Saudi Arabia.

This is one of the designs considered to have the potential to become a "classic" in the future.

Geometric patterns give the Saudi Arabia jersey a distinctive look.

5. France: The elegance of the fashion capital

Not overly elaborate but always sophisticated, France's home kit reflects the status of a nation often considered a center of world fashion.

The traditional blue color is refreshed with modern zigzag patterns, while the white collar is reminiscent of the kit "Les Bleus" wore when they won the 1998 World Cup on home soil. For many fans, this is one of the most elegant kits of the tournament.

The traditional blue color is a highlight on the French national team's jersey.

6. USA: A successful transformation

The US national team jersey was heavily criticized by fans at the 2022 World Cup, and the players even had to draw lots to decide who would pose for the promotional photo.

Four years later, players like quarterback Tyler Adams joined Nike in redesigning the team's kit.

The result is a striking jersey with swirling stripes inspired by the American flag covering the entire body. This is considered one of the most successful "transformations" of the 2026 World Cup.

The US national team jersey features distinctive, stylized stripes inspired by the country's flag.

7. Curaçao: The Colors of a Small Nation

With a population of just around 158,000 people, Curaçao is the smallest country to participate in the 2026 World Cup.

Their away kit follows a minimalist style with the traditional three stripes in national colors and the classic trefoil logo.

Despite its simplicity, this is still one of the most highly regarded designs thanks to its sophistication and harmony.

Curaçao's away kit scores points with its minimalist yet distinctive design.

8. Belgium: Where painting meets football

Belgium has long been known for incorporating cultural elements into its jersey designs. While at Euro 2024 they drew inspiration from the comic book character Tintin, this time the inspiration comes from René Magritte – the country's most famous surrealist painter.

René Magritte was one of the iconic Belgian artists of the 20th century, renowned for his philosophical works and optical illusions.

The most interesting detail is on the inside of the shirt, with the inscription: “Ceci n'est pas un maillot” (This is not a jersey), presented in René Magritte's signature font.

This expression reminds many people of the famous quote "This is not a pipe," associated with the Belgian painter.

The Belgian national team's jersey is eye-catching with its beautifully coordinated colors.

9. Norway: A comeback after 28 years

For the first time in almost three decades, Norway returned to the World Cup, and they brought with them a kit that evoked nostalgia.

The design is reminiscent of the 1997 kit, with large blocks of color inspired by the Norwegian flag. While many teams use complex patterns, Norway's simplicity sets it apart.

Norway returns to the World Cup with a kit that reflects their national identity.

10. Scotland: Tartan Army and coral reefs

Tartan is a familiar symbol of Scotland, but this time the team is drawing attention with their coral-colored away kit.

The design is inspired by the uniforms worn in the mid-1990s, simplified by removing the collar and buttons, but retaining the signature thin purple stripes.

The Tartan Army – the famous nickname of Scottish football fans – is traditionally associated with tartan patterns. However, at the 2026 World Cup, coral may become the new color on the stands for Scottish supporters.

Scotland impressed with their distinctive coral-colored away kit.

It's not just a jersey.

Before the first goals were scored, the 2026 World Cup witnessed another interesting competition among designers.

From Japan's iconic "12th player" stripes, Ghana's Ananse spiderweb, Mexico's Aztec solar calendar, to Belgian painting motifs, football kits not only reflect fashion trends but also tell stories about the history, culture, and identity of each nation.

And who knows, when the World Cup ends, these jerseys might be remembered just as much as the spectacular matches on the pitch.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/khi-ao-dau-cung-buoc-vao-cuoc-dua-232800.html