Eleven World Cup uniforms at the intersection of culture, tradition, and pride.

In recent years, the national football uniform has evolved into a “cultural canvas” that reflects the history, tradition, aesthetics, prestige, values, ethnicity, national consciousness, and atmosphere of the times of each country. For this reason, looking at the uniforms is not only about enjoying football, but also about learning about the culture of countries around the world.

In this issue, we have selected 11 countries with particularly outstanding designs and cultural backgrounds from among the uniforms released for the FIFA World Cup 2026. From France and Argentina, the favorites to win the tournament, to Japan and New Zealand, we introduce them in order of their current FIFA world ranking. Let's explore new ways to enjoy the World Cup through these 11 uniforms, which are not measured by strength alone, but rather by the culture and identity of each country.

Photo_Hiroyuki Ozawa
Edit & Text_Riku Ogawa

1. France (1st)

Away ¥15,620
(Soccer store fcFA)

France, “Les Bleus”, the champions of Russia 2018 and the most likely candidates to win this year's tournament, having also reached the final in Qatar 2022. At first glance, this away shirt is a very minimalistic mint green, but it is inspired by the history of friendship with the host country, the United States. As those with a keen sense of perception may have noticed, this fresh color is a tribute to the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States to commemorate the 100th anniversary of American independence, which this year marks the 140th anniversary of its unveiling. The “Rooster” emblem of the French Football Association (FFF) on the left chest reproduces the process of changing from the initial copper color to mint green as it ages, and the sleeves and back are tricolor. The sleeves and back are tricolor. Incidentally, if France makes it to the last 16, the uniforms may be worn on July 4, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.