A FIFA document shows we won’t get to see one of the best kits in years during the World Cup group stage.
A leaked FIFA document has revealed which kits teams will wear during the World Cup group stage – and some fan-favorite designs won’t be seen, including South Africa’s special away shirt.
Last month, we shared our top picks for the best new kits ahead of this summer’s 48-team tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. France, Germany, Scotland, and Norway were on our list, along with South Korea’s unique ‘Space Purple’ away kit, inspired by the vibrant energy of a blooming flower.
Sadly, some of these favorites won’t appear in the early matches, according to a FIFA document leaked by journalist Leonardo Bertozzi on Monday night.
One big letdown is that South Africa’s stunning away kit, which honors the country’s 12 official languages, won’t be worn. Its dark green and gold colors, stripes, and traditional designs had many fans excited, especially for their Group A games against Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic.
Curacao’s pastel yellow away jersey won’t feature either. This design, which celebrates the colorful buildings in Willemstad’s Punda and Otrobanda districts, got a high score of 9.5/10 in our rankings.
Japan’s simple but striking away shirt, with twelve vertical stripes each representing a player on the field, also won’t be seen during the group stage.
On the other hand, Brazil will use three different uniform options during their group matches to avoid any kit clashes.
England will wear their classic white shirts for their opening Group L game against Ghana, who’ll be in their yellow kits on June 23. England’s squad numbers will be officially announced at 3pm but have already leaked through FIFA.
Players’ numbers range from No.1 to No.26, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford keeping the familiar No.1 spot, and Jarell Quansah taking the final number. The lineup hints at Thomas Tuchel’s preferred starting team.
Harry Kane keeps his usual No.9, Jude Bellingham again wears the famous No.10, and Elliot Anderson gets No.8, like he does at Nottingham Forest. Ezri Konsa and Nico O’Reilly will wear No.2 and No.3.
Here are England’s squad numbers:
1. Jordan Pickford
2. Ezri Konsa
3. Nico O’Reilly
4. Declan Rice
5. John Stones
6. Marc Guehi
7. Bukayo Saka
8. Elliot Anderson
9. Harry Kane
10. Jude Bellingham
11. Marcus Rashford
12. Tino Livramento
13. Dean Henderson
14. Jordan Henderson
15. Dan Burn
16. Kobbie Mainoo
17. Morgan Rogers
18. Anthony Gordon
19. Ollie Watkins
20. Noni Madueke
21. Eberechi Eze
22. Ivan Toney
23. James Trafford
24. Reece James
25. Djed Spence
26. Jarell Quansah