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

9. Japan (18th)

Home ¥13,200
(Soccer store fcFA)

Our Japanese national team is aiming to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in history. Their nickname, “Samurai Blue,” was chosen based on a 2006 fan vote, but many people have probably wondered at least once, “Why are the Japanese national team’s uniforms blue?” However, even the Japan Football Association (JFA) admits that “the official reason is unknown.” Among the various theories, one of the most widely accepted is that the color was inspired by “the sea and sky surrounding the country.” For this tournament, the home kit features the concept of “HORIZON,” where the sea and sky meet, embodying the team’s ambition to reach the “best view” (winning the World Cup) that lies beyond the horizon. By applying a concentric ribbed pattern across the entire center of the jersey that evokes a horizon, the design aims to express the soft haze where the sky and sea blend together. Additionally, the Hinomaru (Japanese flag) is featured on the back of the collar to symbolize the pride and determination of the national team players as they take the field representing Japan. Go, Japan!