Fashion goals: The FIFA World Cup kits we can’t tear our eyes away from
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally here, and that can only mean one thing. No, not football – don’t be ridiculous. Messi, Modrić or Mbappé? Please.
We’re talking about fashion. The real game afoot, as the world’s finest assemble for battle, is one of aesthetics - not athleticism: Which team has the most stylish kit?
Forget football: the real FIFA World Cup contest is who has the best kit. Graphic: Polly Hanning
Players from 48 countries will face off during the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States, decked out in distinctive kits – home, away and often a third alternate set.
These aren’t your average jerseys. Think: bold colours, artistic prints and eye-catching motifs designed by activewear giants like Nike, Adidas and Puma. Even if they don’t get near the goalposts, your faves will at least be kicking style goals.
More than 100 kits will be worn during the World Cup, but we’ve done the hard yards (i.e. polled our colleagues, who have varying levels of football knowledge and/or interest) to come up with a top 10.
Without further ado, and in no particular order...
Scotland (away)
“I am biased, of course, but the Scotland away kit is truly a work of art,” declares nine.com.au’s editor (and proud Scot) Marc.
“Some call it pink, some scarlet red. Others think it is the colour of our national drink, Irn Bru.
“It matters not, it is easily the standout kit of the World Cup, complete with Adidas trefoil.
“Scotland have in fact been wearing pink in some form for around 150 years, ever since we thrashed England 6-1 back in the 1880s.
Scotland's away kit is "truly a work of art". Adidas
“It looked great then. It’ll look even better when Andy Robertson is resplendent lifting the World Cup on July 20.”
Uruguay (home)
“Take it in, people: formal and functional. Isn’t that what we’ve been trying to achieve for decades?” says lifestyle editor Karina.
“Designed for the field, sure, but with that elegant design you’d probably not look entirely out of place elsewhere.
Perfect for when you have your office job at 9am and the World Cup at 3pm. Nike
“Heck, it’s got a white collar – wear it to the office. A first date. Nonna’s place for dinner.”
Argentina (home)
“A classic made modern. Exactly as it should be,” is the verdict from sport reporter Nic.
Argentina's home kit: "Exactly as it should be." Adidas
Mexico (home)
Nic nominates Mexico’s home kit as his second top pick for the same reason.
“[They are] perfect encapsulations of the branding/history of their countries. Certain other countries (cough, Australia) could learn a thing or two from it,” he adds.
Mexico's home kit nails bold colours and motifs. Adidas
South Korea (home)
“This kit is very cool for its subtle tiger stripes – like, ok sporty animal print chic,” shopping reporter Siena says.
South Korea is already the World Cup victor in ours eyes. Well... its kits are, at least. Nike
(Siena also gave Nigeria – who didn’t qualify – a shoutout for the flame detailing on its away jersey: “It’s the perfect blend of sport and my fave fashion/beauty trends coming into play, as I’m a huge fan of flame nail art, and whenever I get my nails done I’ll often get coloured flame tips.“)
South Korea (away)
Yes, South Korea has scored a double-header in our ranking.
News reporter Joseph declares the away kit “by far the cleanest jersey of the entire tournament”.
Forget basic colour blocking and tired designs: this floral jersey goes hard. Nike
“In a World Cup full of basic colour blocking and styles we’ve seen a million times over, it is really cool to see a few countries step out and try something new and South Korea’s purple floral jersey does that perfectly,” he adds.
“Despite not being the nation’s traditional colours the kit is going to look super bold on the pitch, especially when they’re up against teams with contrasting colours.”
France (away)
“It’s minty, it’s fresh. Just looking at it makes me feel like I’ve gulped down an ice-cold mojito,” says lifestyle deputy editor Kahla.
It's minty, it's fresh, it's France's away kit. Nike
“What seals the deal is the narrative woven into the design. The teal colour is a nod to the patina that developed on the Statue of Liberty – which France gifted the US, one of the three World Cup host nations – as its copper oxidised. The metallic crest reflects the original shade of the monument.
“A truly chic tribute. It’s a oui from me.”
Portugal (away)
Football kit or beachside holiday suitcase staple? Why not both? Puma
“There’s something so nostalgically-kitsch about Portugal’s away kit. The aqua waves are reminiscent of prints exclusive to Dad-on-holiday shirts,” says senior digital and social designer Polly.
“Whether that translates to a World Cup stage, I’m not sure, but the best kits do have that transporting quality – I’m suddenly on a beach in Lagos!”
Iran (away)
Who doesn't love a cheetah? Majid
“Maybe controversial, but I like Iran’s home shirt because of the cheetah face. Cats make everything better,” entertainment reporter Chelsea says.
It’s hard to argue with that logic, really.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (home)
Team Bosnia and Herzegovina are clearly Eels fans. Kelme
Lifestyle reporter Jo has a simple reason for being partial to this bold jersey: “It’s Parramatta Eels colours.”
