The best kits we won’t see at the 2026 World Cup When football design outshines results

Here we are. We now have the full picture of the 48 teams that will take part in the 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The biggest edition ever. Despite this, there are national teams that failed to qualify and, as a result, there are kits we won’t see on the pitch.

Italy

For the third consecutive World Cup edition, we will not see Italy’s shirt. Neither the classic blue version designed by adidas, featuring a laurel leaf pattern, nor the away kit, designed with an all-over blue and white motif that replicates the intricate textures found in tailored garments.

Nigeria

Nigeria’s failure to qualify deprives us of a jersey that would have rightfully ranked among the most beautiful ever seen at a World Cup. The concept of the Away jersey is a bold flame pattern, recreated with different shades of green along the sides to color a white base, highlighted by a black Swoosh outlined in neon green placed at the center.

Denmark

At the 2026 World Cup edition, we will also not see the iconic chevrons by hummel featured on the Denmark jersey. A classic, clean, elegant shirt that once again perfectly expressed the brand’s visual identity, seamlessly integrating into the design of the match kit.

Chile

A desert, in bloom. This is the evocative setting of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest in the world but capable—due to climate oscillations caused by El Niño—of transforming into a field of flowers. This is the inspiration that led adidas to design purple flowers on Chile’s Away jersey, a kit that moves away from the traditional full white look to recreate the texture of arid land.

Jamaica

Jamaica failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, losing the playoff final against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This means we will not see in action the jerseys created by adidas in collaboration with the Bob Marley Foundation.

Suriname

Suriname’s dream of a historic first World Cup qualification ended with a defeat in the playoff semifinal against Bolivia. For this reason, we won’t see the collections created by Kelme. The Spanish brand worked on developing a Home jersey where the colors of the national flag become details that enrich a white shirt featuring a texture that reflects the country’s heritage.

Costa Rica

Even bolder is the design used by adidas for Costa Rica’s jersey. A pattern inspired by tropical forests, translated into a series of white shapes spread across a turquoise shirt, enhanced by subtle purple gradients.