Dressed for Success in Qatar
World Cup kits ranked! From Group Stage to Final.
The adage “look good play good” may not be scientific but it doesn’t hurt when you show up with a clear edge in the uniform department. This year’s World Cup kits for Qatar 2022 run the gamut from traditional and clean, to “what were they thinking”?
A record nine different manufacturers will be outfitting the 32 teams that have qualified for this year’s World Cup. Nike outfits the most squads with 13 teams. Adidas and Puma are next with seven and six nations respectively. And then there’s six companies that, you may or may not have heard of, that dress the remaining nations. They are lesser known but just as welcome to the show: Marathon, New Balance, Majid, Hummel, Kappa, and One All Sports.
While productivity around the world takes a dip over the next 6 weeks during this quadrennial event, let’s get a jump start on those soon-to-be-busted brackets with an hors d’oeuvres of fashion play-offs!
Not leaning on my own sense of fashion, which at times can be best described as “shabby chic”, I have enlisted the discerning eye of one Amy Acton, of The Acton Style Group. Simply put, Amy has dressed on-air talent for some of the biggest sporting events in the world. From the Winter and Summer Olympics to the Kentucky Derby. From Sunday Night Football on NBC to the Tour de France, as well as this year’s World Cup in Qatar. If you like what the announcers are wearing, you can thank Ms. Acton.
From the outset, let’s just agree to disagree. First up is group play. And while some quality kits, like the teams they adorn, will be leaving the tournament sooner than both they and their fans expected, there can be only one Champion du Monde!
Group A
Qatar (Nike)
AA: Sleek and classic. Unfortunately, we won’t see much of it during the World Cup.
TH: This is the first example of many teams, to play it safe. It’s clean and has all the appropriate national colours and crest, but not much to get excited about. Nice homage to the flag on the sleeves.
Ecuador (Marathon)
AA: Show this kit the door, Ecuador!
TH: I do like the blue home jersey. Still trying to figure out that crest.
Senegal (Puma)
AA: Despite their candy necklace collars, they won’t be able to bite their way out of this one.
TH: I’m not sure what Puma was going for with this design. First you get the Chevron logo and then it’s a retro car licence plate. Just too much for me.
Netherlands (Nike)
AA: ZZZZZZZZZZ. Not so much
TH: for a nation with such a rich heritage and love for orange, I’m not sure why I’m getting one jersey that looks like a bar of gold and the other is a shade of blue?
Group A winner: QATAR
Runner-up: ECUADOR
Eliminated: Netherlands and Senegal
Group B
England (Nike)
AA: Always the bride’s maid and never the bride since 1966.
TH: This is a tough one for me. My country of residence, and I genuinely like the home kit in red. I just wish they would have gone with a non-red short to compliment this clean classic jersey.
Iran (Majid)
AA: Will they play as good as they look
TH: Not a fan of the logo or the colours but how do you not love an incognito leopard staring back at you on the lower half of the jersey?
USA (Nike)
AA: Runner up. Just like they are to the US Women’s team.
TH: My nation of birth really underwhelmed me with this kit. Respect taking a chance with the tie-dye but for a team that missed the last World Cup, 8 years of waiting and this is it? Nice contrast from home and away, however.
Wales (Adidas)
AA: The only thing that saves this kit is the Dragon in the crest.
TH: Love the crest but you lost me with the collars.
Group B Winner: USA
Runner-up: ENGLAND
Eliminated: Iran and Wales
Group C
Argentina (Adidas)
AA: A clear classic!
TH: One of the most iconic jerseys in the world. Not sure what’s going on with the colour and pattern on the away top. If it isn’t broken why fix it?
Saudi Arabia (Nike)
AA: Isn’t the saying be one with the ball, not the turf!
TH: For a nation known as “The Kingdom” I would have like to have seen something more regal. Green overload!
Mexico (Adidas)
AA: A “swaggy” modern print that screams Mexico!
TH: A big hit for “El Tri” with the colours and design. Adidas absolutely nailed the away jersey with a nod to Quetzalcoatl! Muy Bien Mexico!
Poland (Nike)
AA: Is this a youth league kit?
TH: I must side with Ms. Acton on this one. So much that could have been done. Love the shoulders on the away jersey and the Polish crest but the home top looks like a plain t-shirt.
Group C Winner: MEXICO
Runner-up: ARGENTINA
Eliminated: Saudi Arabia and Poland
Group D
France (Nike)
AA: It’s not cocky to boast if you can back it up and as reigning champions, France does it well!
TH: C’est magnifique! Not sure how you say, “mic drop” en français, but wow! This works on all accounts. Such a regal look even if it’s not their normal bleu. The gold numbers are a perfect accent. My only critique would be for FIFA to allow the French to lose the number on the front of the jersey for an even cleaner look.
Australia (Nike)
AA: Aussie Aussie Oh NO!
TH: For a nation with so many unique and deadly animals I was expecting more. Of course, you have to have a kangaroo, but why not a brown snake or a crocodile somewhere lurking on the jersey? Just a thought. G’day Australia.
Denmark (Hummel)
AA: Although the most boring of the group it makes the biggest statement.
TH: Respect the courage and creativity Denmark and manufacturer Hummel made with these kits. They sacrificed design and appeal to make a statement. “While we support the Danish national team all the way, this shouldn’t be confused with support for a tournament that has cost thousands of people their lives,” said Hummel. Plus, there is a third all black option also available to the team, aka “the colour of mourning.”
Tunisia (Kappa)
AA: Red white and who?
TH: The Kappa logo gets most of the attention on these jerseys and while that’s good for them not so much for, who is this again? Exactly!
Group D winner: FRANCE
Runner-up: DENMARK
Eliminated: Australia and Tunisia
Group E
Spain (Adidas)
AA: What their look lacks in cohesion it more than makes up for in swagger!
TH: This is one of those jerseys I must keep coming back to. Like when you taste some ice cream that you’re not sure like or not, so you keep trying it. The same with Spain. Love the traditional top but do I like the new blue dreamscape design? I think so? But similar to ice cream, its Spain so how bad can it be?
Costa Rica (New Balance)
AA: Simple and clean with zero distractions. Colours work but are a little boring. Come on Costa Rica this is the World Cup not a friendly!
TH: I applaud New Balance for keeping it crisp and clean but similar to Amy’s point, This is a once every four year showing. Take a chance.
Germany (Adidas)
AA: An elite look for an elite team!
TH: Ausgezeichnet! Well played Germany. Edgy but not over the top. I love the risk they took with the introduction of that red. Yes, that’s a wide stripe down the middle, but think of it as a tribute to the Autobahn.
Japan (Adidas)
AA: Lacklustre. Expected more innovation from a team that normally has great kits.
TH: the prevailing thought is Japan always has some of the best kits when it comes to big tournaments. This, for me, is not one of them. Still need time to warm to that crest and not the iconic Japanese flag. Well-played with the origami design.
Group E Winner: GERMANY
Runner-up: SPAIN
Eliminated: Costa Rica and Japan
Group F
Belgium (Adidas)
AA: For the Golden generation this kit lacks lustre.
TH: How does this happen? One of the great futbol nations with a solid colour scheme and this is the final product? Where to begin. The flame like design on the sleeve is something that baffles me, unless this was intended for the U-10 squad. I’m not so critical of the white jersey but then again it has nothing that says, “Hello We are Belgium!” Sorry, still a great cycling nation.
Canada (Nike)
AA: Umm, It’s nice.
TH: Word on the street is Canada is using a Nike kit that you can buy at any sporting goods store. Players expressed disappointment in not getting a new look, especially for a team that hasn’t qualified for the World Cup since 1986.
Morocco (Puma)
AA: These are as pretty as a Moroccan Belly Dancer!
TH: While I do not share Amy’s same exuberance, I am glad Puma didn’t force the front panel design onto them. This feels like a throwback to the 98 kits, which is also the last time Morocco won a World Cup match. So, you’re saying there’s a chance.
Croatia (Nike)
AA: Winner Winner!
TH: Another iconic jersey in the world of sport. This design screams Croatia with No apologies. While some may say it’s a tired look, I say “stay the course, Croatia”. Especially the away coat with the introduction of the blue that represents the nation’s Adriatic coastline. Bravo!
Group F Winner: CROATIA
Runner-up: MOROCCO
Eliminated: Belgium and Canada
Group G
Brazil (Nike)
AA: As always, as good as it gets!
TH: Brazil’s home jersey is recognized around the world and well-done Nike for not trying to update the look. The inclusion of the ghost jaguar print is a subtle addition to what may be the most purchased top in Qatar. The away look with the jaguar print sleeves shows that Brazil is not afraid to take chances.
Serbia (Puma)
AA: Elegant and simple, maybe too simple.
TH: I am a fan of the stealth Serbian crosses with the metallic gold accents. But once again that pesky Puma running-bib template draws too much attention away from what should be a winning look.
Switzerland (Puma)
AA: Just so basic, maybe even neutral?
TH: The home kit Puma got right. The V-neck and the horizontal stripes with a spot-on Swiss flag placement make this work. The away jersey however is just another chapter of Puma’s miss with the mid chest plate.
Cameroon (One All Sports)
AA: The clear number two in my opinion for this group.
TH: I am all for taking chances and being bold, but I just keep seeing a skeleton’s rib cage when I see these jerseys. But you got to give it up to One All Sports for not playing it safe. Love the Lion logo!
Group G Winner: BRAZIL
Runner-up: SWITZERLAND
Eliminated: Serbia and Cameroon
Group H
Portugal (Nike)
AA: Just like Ronaldo, It’s time to retire this kit!
TH: The home jersey is a bit much. Nike says the goal was to make the players appear as if they were wearing the nations flag. Well, mission accomplished. The away kit also uses the nations flag as a template, this time horizontally. I think this one, while muted compared to past looks, works. Especially if they run it with the blue shorts and white socks.
Ghana (Puma)
AA: Incorporating the nation’s flag into the sleeves is a nice touch.
TH: Love the black star in the centre of the home jersey. Puma went all in on this design and this might be one of the least abrasive.
Uruguay (Puma)
AA: Baby blue wins every time!
TH: This home jersey is by far Pumas best in Qatar. That’s how you do a collar with a button. The light blue with black numbers just works. Then there is the away jersey. I don’t think this will be a big seller back in the shops of Montevideo.
South Korea (Nike)
AA: As confusing as the K-Pop mania.
TH: The first word that comes to mind with this away jersey is BOLD! They used all the crayons in the box when designing this offering. The home jersey is simple but that shade of red with black accents is strong.
Group H Winner: SOUTH KOREA
Runner-up: URUGUAY
Eliminated: Portugal and Ghana
ROUND OF 16
Qatar vs. England
This one goes the way of England by virtue of their away kit. That classic look gets the Three Lions into the next round.
Mexico vs. Denmark
What a shame that these two must meet so early in the knockout phase of the tournament. While I think Mexico has one of their all-time best kits, the statement Denmark is making, speaking for those with no voice by way of their kit, gets them the nod. Although has a real winner with Mexico’s away jersey.
France vs. Argentina
In one corner the defending champions dressed the part. In the other corner an Iconic world recognized design with Argentina’s home look. The knockout punch is landed by France and that sleek home jersey.
USA vs. Ecuador
This is a toss-up. Ecuador brings the heat with a clean black on navy look for La Tri. But while it may not be your cup of tea, the USA goes bold with their tie-dye away kit and simple but clean home jersey. The Stars & Stripes move on to the quarterfinals.
Germany vs. Morocco
While Morocco turns back the clock to some of their glory days, this was an uphill battle as Adidas came with the goods for the four-time World Cup Champions. Deutschland gets the win.
Croatia vs. Spain
While Spain has their World Cup title from 2010 and they brought a new sky-blue away jersey to the tournament, this is all Croatia all the time. Tough to take out the iconic checkerboard design that is a symbol of not just a team but a nation. Croatia is victorious.
South Korea vs. Switzerland
The Swiss came clad in an understated but crisp home jersey. This one goes the way of the bold and daring South Koreans, and especially their away jersey design by Nike.
QUARTER-FINALS
England vs. Denmark
Sorry Brits you had a good run, but this is no 1966 and despite that fact that we love that away kit and the Three Lions logo, the brave move with a muted theme gets the Danes through to the semi-finals. Take a bow Denmark.
France vs. USA
Like England, it was a solid run for the Americans. It comes to an end at the hands of the capital of fashion as the French are moving on with their “pret a porter” kits to the semis and another possible championship in 2022. Tres Bien!
Germany vs. Brazil
This is a clash of the football titans! It’s the marquee teams for both Adidas and Nike. As much as I like the German offerings this year, you just can’t go against what that Brazil yellow jersey means to the sport. Even if it has a ghost leopard included in this tournament’s rendition. And for that reason, only I am giving the nod to the Selecao Canarinha.
Croatia vs South Korea
I’ve ridden with the bold choices that the South Koreans made thus far, but it ends here. I just can’t give them the nod over the double whammy on both the home and away kits of Team Croatia. These jerseys capture the passion that the Croatians always play with, and for that reason they punch their ticket to the semi-finals.
SEMI-FINALS
France vs. Denmark
And then there were four! You can make a case for any of these final four kits. They all are above and beyond, and I imagine they will lead the way in total sales when it’s all said and done. Sales aside this is a moral dilemma. France wins the fashion statement, but you can’t deny Denmark makes the biggest statement without saying a word. And for that reason and knowing they don’t have great odds of winning on the pitch, I am going with Denmark and their human rights protest kit.
Brazil vs. Croatia
There is no wrong answer in this matchup. Do you run with the Brazilian flair and the iconic jersey with a long legacy and 5 World Cups? Or give the relatively new kids on the block a shot at the fashion crown. Don’t hate me Pele’ but I’m giving the nod to Croatia and checkerboard heaven!
FINAL
Denmark vs Croatia. Style; Advantage Croatia. Iconic look; Advantage Croatia. Roster talent; Croatia. But in 10, 20 or 50 years, which jersey will tell the better story and capture the natural backstory of the World Cup 2022? For that reason, I’m giving the title to Denmark and the courageous folks at Hummel. I could be wrong but let me know who you think won in the kit department. And while this was a lighthearted take on an inconsequential topic, wear your team’s jersey with pride and try to enjoy the next four weeks.
