As many as 18 national team shirts released for the 2026 FIFA World Cup risk going unused during the group stage after FIFA finalised kit selections for
The FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the Los Angeles stop of The FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola at LA Live in Los Angeles on March 24, 2026.
As many as 18 national team shirts released for the 2026 FIFA World Cup risk going unused during the group stage after FIFA finalised kit selections for the tournament’s 72 opening matches, according to a BBC Sport report on Wednesday. The 48 participating teams have unveiled a total of 108 outfield kits, but only 87 are guaranteed to appear at least once in the group phase.
The remaining shirts, mostly away and third kits, may only see action if their teams advance to the knockout rounds. Every nation has submitted the traditional home and away shirts, while 12 countries have also released a distinct third kit. FIFA’s decisions on colour clashes and match allocations mean several of these will stay in the locker room for the opening three games.
ShirtsConversely, four teams will showcase all three of their kits during the group stage: Canada, Cape Verde, Mexico, and Panama. Scotland have also prepared three different goalkeeper kits and will use a new one for each of their matches against Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil.
Standout Designs at Risk of Staying UnusedAmong the 12 away kits currently without a confirmed appearance, six were highlighted by BBC Sport as some of the most impressive designs of the tournament: Austria, Belgium, Curacao, Japan, Ivory Coast, and South Africa. BBC Sport readers voted Curacao’s away shirt as the most popular among those unlikely to feature in the group stage. Japan’s away kit also ranked highly, coming second among the unused designs.
Curacao, making their World Cup debut this summer, may have to wait for a place in the knockout rounds for their eye-catching alternative strip to be seen on the pitch. FIFA’s kit selections aim to avoid colour clashes while maintaining visual consistency across matches. Teams that progress deeper into the competition could still get the opportunity to wear their unused shirts, giving fans hope that some of the tournament’s best designs will eventually be showcased.
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues. All rights reserved.
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