18 World Cup jerseys might not see action in tournament - Report

As many as 18 national team jerseys set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup might not be used during the group stage. This was reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday after FIFA confirmed the kit choices for the tournament’s 72 opening matches.

The 48 teams taking part have revealed 108 outfield kits, but only 87 will definitely be worn at least once in the group phase. The rest, mostly away and third kits, could only see the field if their teams move on to the knockout rounds. Every nation has turned in their home and away jerseys, while 12 countries have also introduced a different third kit.

FIFA’s rules on color clashes and match assignments mean some of these kits will remain unused for the first three games.

Not Selected for Group Stage

Home jerseys not selected:

• Ghana
• Uzbekistan

Away jerseys not scheduled to be worn:

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Curacao
• DR Congo
• Iran
• Ivory Coast
• Japan
• Netherlands
• Portugal
• Senegal
• South Africa

Third jerseys not scheduled:

• Ecuador
• Haiti
• Iraq
• Jordan

On the flip side, four teams will use all three of their kits during the group stage. These teams are Canada, Cape Verde, Mexico, and Panama. England and Scotland will switch between their two available shirts.

Scotland has also prepared three different goalkeeper kits. They will use a new one for each of their matches against Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil.

Among the 12 away kits with no confirmed use, BBC Sport pointed out six as some of the best designs of the tournament. These are Austria, Belgium, Curacao, Japan, Ivory Coast, and South Africa. Readers of BBC Sport voted Curacao’s away jersey as the most liked among those not likely to be worn in the group stage. Japan’s away kit also did well, coming second among the unused options.

Curacao, making their World Cup debut this summer, may have to wait until they reach the knockout rounds to show off their stunning alternative kit on the pitch.

FIFA’s kit choices are meant to prevent color clashes while keeping a good look across matches. Teams that go further in the competition might still get to wear their unused kits, which gives fans hope that some of the tournament’s best designs will eventually be seen.