A Look at the World Cup Football Strips

Football kits can divide a nation before their country even plays. Now, in general, I don’t claim to be a fashionista but when it comes to kits, I do have strong opinions. With most strips for this winter’s World Cup revealed, let’s take a look at some jerseys that have caught my eye.

When I think of the Dutch team, I think you really can‘t do much else with a classy orange. That’s what I thought until I saw their home strip for Qatar. When I heard ‘animal print’ I got worried, however I am slightly impressed at how Nike have managed to put a twist on the iconic home shirt.

For those disappointed the Dutch are not going out with the classic bright orange kit, especially after failing to qualify for the World Cup in 2018 and crashing out of the Euros in 2020, look no further than the away kit. A sleek blue kit with orange trims, it’s a real winner for sure.

Why on earth the England home strip has a blue gradient around the collar is beyond me; it’s an absolute shocker of a jersey! No fan should ever have to pay for this strip, and even if I got it for free, it would quickly be relegated to the drawer of pyjama tops. Surprisingly, the away kit may just make up for it. This is a beauty. Nike have rewound time to the iconic 1990 World Cup and taken cues from one of the most popular away shirts the Three Lions ever wore. The bright red kit with blue trims and a collar gives it a modern yet retro look. England made the semi-finals in 1990, and I’m sure they’ll be hoping that this winter nostalgia can take them one step further.

For those of you in the USA who call football soccer, you made it to the World Cup! Congratulations! You also have a decent enough strip. The classy white home kit with navy blue features has red and blue stripes on the sleeves, and simple sometimes is the best way.

On the other hand, unfortunately, the away jersey is slightly more questionable… The kit is a lighter blue with a tie-dye, marbling effect on the front not pleasing on my eyes. For me it looks like the kit is stained, but the one plus is you can be messy in this top and won’t need to wash it!

Onto Saudi Arabia - is this Newcastle United’s third kit or Saudi Arabia’s home kit? Is there a difference whatsoever? Some are huge fans, so they must be Geordies. Looking further east, Korea’s away kit is unfortunately just not my cup of tea. Actually, it’s surely not anyone’s cup of tea. No way of convincing me this is classy.

Now, onto South America — more animal print from the Brazilians? It is far too much animal print, can we all agree to stop?I personally don’t enjoy useless buttons on football shirts, but I can see how some would prefer the vibrant, youthful look to this kit. If another star is added to their jersey I will be swayed, and I would like to love this kit because I am so excited to watch Brazil play. Their squad just oozes unbelievable talent. The away kit is, sadly, worse, a bright purple jersey with neon green jaguar print on the sleeves. Yes, it looks as bad as it sounds.

I could go on for days about the good, bad and the ugly others; there are some gems and some real rotten ones. Or wait until we are immersed into the joys of a World Cup again. Which kit will become iconic? Which is the one we’ll remember? Only a couple of months to (im)patiently wait!

Image: Unsplash