All Flags of the countries soccer world cup. Vector illustration.
The World Cup is the World’s greatest sports event. Even though it doesn’t resonate in America like it does in other parts of the globe, it’s still a big time event here. There will be an estimated 1 billion people watching the World Cup Final around the globe. We have a tendency of getting behind the flag, regardless of the sport being played. Obviously if the team is performing on the field it will create more of a buzz. That is the challenge to this year’s USMNT World Cup team; capture the attention of the country. Unfortunately the USMNT will have to do so in kits that miss the mark.
Classics
There are some classic combinations that will never be messed with on the world stage. Brazil’s yellow tops and blue bottoms are iconic. The checkerboard red and white of Croatia looks great. And the all white look for England is one of the cleanest looks in the international game. America could carve out a great look if they stuck with the red and white stripes. But the execs at Nike refuse- for whatever reason- to give the fans what we want.
Alternate
Kit suppliers usually get a little more out there when given a team’s alternate look. Argentina has a purple base with blue flames that looks great. The US were given some of the ugliest royal blue and dark blue tie-die kits as the alternate. Once again Nike missed the mark for the USMNT. Nike and Puma did not deliver this go around for their clients. Both suppliers went with the same template for all of their home jerseys. Why? Is it that hard to come up with an idea unique for each country? Look at what Adidas did for Mexico with their alternate. It’s a clean look that has enough flair to get the fan base excited. Here are the World Cup’s best and worst Kits.
