Tag: world cup

World Cup ’22, Overall Kit Review

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Well that’s it, the 2022 World Cup is over, and after 64 Games Argentina have been crowned World Cup Winners for the third time after remarkable final against France, a game that will live forever as one of, if not the greatest World Cup Final ever!

It is time for me to take a look at the Kits worn through-out the tournament and those worn in the knock out stages.

I have separate posts about the group stages…

1st Round of Group games can be found here

2nd Round of Group games can be found here

Overall Group Stage review can be found here

A few stats….

There have been a total of 66 kits used throughout the tournament in the 64 games.

We have seen “Primary” Kits (and variations) used 68% and “Secondary” kits (and variations) used 30% of the time and 3rd kit 2% (just used the once)!

Argentina are the only team to wear 4 kit variations, with 3 different primary kit looks and their secondary kit worn once.

6 Nations wore 3 different kit variations in the tournament with 4 of those teams (Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, Canada) in 3 different kits in their only appearances. Morocco and Brazil, using their 3rd variation within the knock out stages.

19 Teams have worn two kits and 6 Teams in the same kit for their 2022 World Cup games.

Knock Out Rounds Overview….

Primary – 10

Primary variations – 8

Secondary – 4

Secondary variations – 1

We have seen 7 new kit variations used in the final round of fixtures.

Knock Out Round Fixtures

Last 16

Quarter-Finals

Semi-Finals

3rd / 4th & Final

Looking at the teams journeys in a little more detail by group…

GROUP A – 8 Kits in total

The Netherlands reached the Quarter-Finals and only used their Primary kit, Senegal the other team to reach the knock out stages wore their Secondary Kit for the first time in their defeat to England.

GROUP B – 8 Kits

No new kits on show in the knock out games from teams in Group B, England ended the tournament without using their secondary kit, just the two variations of Primary Kit, this was the case for the second Major Tournament in a row.

GROUP C – 10 Kits

Argentina in 4 kits, used their Primary with white shorts and socks in three of their four games in the knock out phase of the competition, Poland were one of those teams that only used one kit in all their appearances.

GROUP D – 7 Kits

France were another team that did not use their secondary kit (one of the most popular kits before the start of the tournament), using two variations of their Primary kit, the all blue look was used twice including the Final.

GROUP E – 9 Kits

Spain were the only team in the competition that did not wear either their default Primary or Secondary kits, following their use of all red in the group stages with alternative white shorts with their Secondary Kit. Japan also in a second look for the tournament in their knock out game against Croatia, with alternative blue shorts used with their Primary Kit.

GROUP F – 9 Kits

Two teams from the group reached the final four of the competition, with Morocco using a Kit Mash up in their Semi Final against France, pairing their Primary Kit with Secondary white socks. Croatia unlike recent tournaments were mainly seen in the Primary kit with their Secondary only used in their Semi-Final appearance.

GROUP G – 9 Kits

Brazil in their quarter final gave us another alternative kit for the competition, using their secondary socks with Primary Kit to give us a Yellow / Blue / Blue look, one often used by the Brazilians as an alternative look.

GROUP H – 6 Kits

No new kits on show from the teams in Group H, with South Korea only using their Primary Kit in the tournament and an appearance of both Primary and Secondary Kits for Portugal.

Overall kit highlights from the Knock Out Rounds…

The Semi-Final between France and Morocco gave us Kit Match Up with two teams in “Tri-Colour”, each element of the kit being made of different colour, thanks to Morocco using their secondary white socks with their Primary Kit.

Argentina the only team to wear four kit variations, with three different Primary looks worn and their secondary kit worn once.

Would it be a World Cup with Brazil using an alternative kit, this one with secondary socks works well with the green details in all elements of the kit given a clean variation of their Primary Kit.

There we have it, the 2022 World Cup is over, what are your favourite kits on show and favourite kit moments of the tournament?

Let me know in the comments below of over at @Kit_Geek on Twitter

World Cup ’22, Kit Log Group Stages

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We have hit the twelfth day of the 2022 World Cup, the Group Stages have ended and half the Nations are already on their way home.

It is time for me to take a look at the Kits worn through-out the Group Stages and those worn in the last round of games.

1st Round of Group games can be found here

2nd Round of Group games can be found here

A few stats….

There have been a total of 59 kits used throughout the tournament, out of a possible 96 kits,

We have seen “Primary” Kits (and variations) used 69% and “Secondary” kits (and variations) used 29% of the time and 3rd kit 2% (just used the once)!

5 Teams wore three different kit variations in their three Group Games, with 17 Teams have worn two kits in the first two group games and 10 Teams in the same kit for their three Group games.

Group Game 3 Overview….

Primary – 21

Primary variations – 4 (France, Mexico, Spain, Germany)

Secondary – 7

Secondary variations – 0

We have seen 12 new kit variations used in the final round of fixtures.

Game 3 Fixtures

Group A and Group B

Group C and Group D

Group E and Group F

Group G and Group H

Looking into the Groups in more detail…

Group A – 7 Kits

The stand out from a Kit point of view in Group A was Ecuador, who wore three different kits in their three appearences in this World Cup, with two variaitons of the Primary Kit being used. Hosts Qatar, used both Primary and Secondary Kits, with the two Nations progressing (Netherlands and Senegal) only using their Primary Kit in their three matches so far.

Group B – 8 Kits

Each team in Group 3 used two kit variations, with USA (x2) and Iran (x1) using both Primary and Secondary kits and Home Nations England and Wales only using their Primary Kit but with alternative shorts, Wales’ red shorts being part of their secondary kit and England’s white shorts being a bespoke alternative short for the Primary Kit. Wales’ final appearance in the group in the default Primary look was the 50th Different Kit Variation used in this World Cup.

Group C – 9 Kits

The most kits used in a Group, two Nations in the Group, Argentina and Saudi Arabia where two of the five Nations that wore three different kits in their three Group Appearances, with Argentina in both Black and White socks with their Primary kit and Saudi Arabia in their secondary kit twice, once pairing with Primary shorts and socks to give a “Green / White / White” look. Mexico and Poland are Nations that just used their Primary Kit, with Mexico in alternative green shorts once, meaning Poland were the only team to use just one kit in the Group.

Group D – 7 Kits

Three nations wore two kit variations in Group D, France in Primary Kits in all three games with their last game being paired with alternative blue shorts and socks. Australia and Denmark in both Primary and Secondary kits, with Denmark’s one appearance in a Secondary kit was paired with Primary shorts to give a “White / Red / White” look. Tunisia, the only team in the group not change from their Primary kit, wearing the one kit in their three appearences at this World Cup.

Group E – 7 Kits

The stand out Nation from a Kit view in Group E was Costa Rica, with three kit variations worn their three games, with Secondary used first, then two outings of the Primary kit, once with white (secondary) socks against Japan. Spain in all red of their games was something of a disappointment for me, Germany another team to go with the single colour look (twice) and one of the kits of tournament, Japan’s Primary being worn in all group games.

Group F – 7 Kits

Red is a common theme in this group but surprisingly both Croatia and Belgium have only worn their Primary Kits, with some controversy surrounding the Belgium secondary kit which was scheduled to be used but was changed on the eve of the tournament Canada one of the only Nations in the Tournament that has three registered kits, was the only one to use all three kits, wearing 3 of the 7 different looks in this game. Morocco, in one of my favourite kits of the competition with their Secondary kit which was worn against Belgium and Canada.

Group G – 8 Kits

Almost a nice simple group in terms of kits, all Nations in two kits, with Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland in Primary and Secondary Kits, with only Cameroon using a variation of kit when in their first group game against the Swiss they wore alternative (Secondary) green shorts, this created a Red v Green look that is something that is not normally seen due to impacts on Colourblind supporters / viewers, with the yellow socks of Cameroon being the only constrast in the two kits.

Group H – 6 Kits

The Group with the fewest kits on show, with just 6 kits used and no variations of kit used. South Korea and Ghana just playing in their Primary Kit, with Portugal and Uruguay using their Primary Kit twice and their Secondary kit just the once in their three group games.

Overall kit highlights from the final round of games…

Canada the only team in Primary, Seconday and Third Kits, first time a Nation has done this in The World Cup since Spain in 2014.

Mexico wore alternative shorts with their Primary Kit against Saudi Arabia, at first glance these appear to the Secondary Kit shorts but although they are also a darker shade of green they have white Adidas detailing in promo shots before the tournament and their use against Paraguay in September, so are these the secondary shorts for this tournament of just alternative home shorts, so why the darker shade of green? One of the Kit Mysteries of World Cup 2022.

Brazil used their secondary kit for the first time in their last group game against Cameroon, this vibrant blue kit is one of the best in the Nike Locker for this World Cup and seeing it action cemented that for me, I also think its the best change kit the Brazilians have had since 2002 World Cup.

That’s it, the Group games is now complete, what are your favourite kits on show and will we see more variations of kits through the knock out rounds?

Let me know in the comments below of over at @Kit_Geek on Twitter

World Cup ’22 Kit Log – Group Stage Round 2

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The group stage of the World Cup now reached is final matches, it is time to take a look at the kits worn in the Nations second group fixtures.

The first round of fixtures can be found here

Again, I am not 100% sure whether the “Home” and “Away” kit labels are completely correct when it comes to International Tournaments, I will refer to them as “Primary” and “Secondary” choice kits.

A few stats….

There have been a total of 47 kit used throughout the tournament, out of a possible 64 kits,

We have seen “Primary” Kits (and variations) used 72% and “Secondary” kits (and variations) used 26% of the time and 3rd kit 2% (just used the once)!

15 Teams have worn two kits in the first two group games, with 17 Teams in the same kit for both games.

Group Game 2 Overview….

Primary – 18

Primary variations – 5 (Wales, England, Costa Rica, Spain, Germany)

Secondary – 7

Secondary variations – 1 (Denmark)

Third – 1 (Canada) 

We have seen 15 new kits used in the second round of fixtures.

Groups A and B

Only Ecuador in Group A wore a different kit from their first games, the opposite was true in Group B where Wales were the only team to wear the same kit in both games, their primary with secondary shorts giving an all red look. England in their alternative white shorts, for a second Primary look this World Cup.

Groups C and D

No changes in shirts in Group C with Argentina in default white socks and Saudi Arabia in their full default second kit with green shorts and socks on display for first time the only changes. A couple more changes in Group D with Australia and Denmark both in their second kits, with the Danes using their home shorts to create a “white / red / white” alternative look.

Groups E and F

A change of look for Costa Rica, wore white socks with their Primary Kit, Morocco in their change kit, one of the best of the Puma kits on show this World Cup. It is likely we will see Canada in all three of their kits in this tournament wore their black 3rd kit against Croatia…. and Spain v Germany, well I’ll get to that below!!

Groups G and H

Cameroon in their second Primary kit look, this time with red shorts to give us a more traditional looking kit for the Nation. Only one team in Group H has used two kits, with Uruguay wearing their all white away kit in the game against Portugal

Overall kit highlights from these round of games…

Mexico Goalkeeper provided us with an interesting kit mash up, with red shirt and blue shorts and socks, a look almost Spainish in its appearence.

Spain v Germany was one of the most anticapted matches of the Group stages but from a kit point of view it was a disappointing spectical, with both teams playing in single colours rather than their standard default primary shorts and socks. From my understanding this was not something either Nation wanted but something driven by FIFA.

The French Primary Kit is getting better and better in my opionion, the details of the French “Tricolore” in both the shorts and shirt cuffs, is another little detail that adds to the overall kit, fast becoming my favourite kit of the tournament so far.

Canada, the only team in the tournament not to get a new kit are one of the few teams that have three kits to choose from, appeared in their black 3rd Kit against Croatia, a template kit but a nice looking kit, the National Crest is something that really “pops” on the kit and gives more depth than standard template… note the Goalkeeper is in the current 2022 Nike Goalkeeper template.

Round 2 of games is now complete, what are your favourite kits on show and will we see more variations of kits through out round 3 of games? Let me know in the comments below of over at @Kit_Geek on Twitter

World Cup ’22 Kit Log – Group Stage Round 1

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The World Cup is well and truly underway, we have now seen each of the 32 Nations take to the field, so time to have a look at the kits worn so far by each of the teams.

I am still not 100% sure whether the “Home” and “Away” kit labels are completely correct when it comes to International Tournaments, I will refer to them as “Primary” and “Secondary” choice kits.

Groups A and B

A few stats….

For the total of 32 kit appearances, we have seen “Primary” Kits (and variations) used 87.5% and “Secondary” kits (and variations) used 12.5% of the time, with only four Nations in their secondary kit!

Primary – 22

Primary variations – 6 (Ecuador, USA, Wales, Argentina, Spain, Cameroon)

Secondary – 3

Secondary variations – 1 (Saudi Arabia) 

Groups C and D

A part from the Day 1 and Day 2 (which totalled 4 games), we are seeing 4 games a day, so the tournament is motoring along now and it is great to see the kits finally on display.

Adidas wearing coming into the tournament with some of the best kits on show and they have not disappointed in action, with Japan being a particular highlight. One downside from the Adidas Kit point of view was seeing Spain in all red, rather than the default navy shorts and socks, from what I understand this was driven by FIFA and both Spainish Federation and Adidas preferring to use navy in this game.

One thing that seems to have reduced from recent World Cups, is single colour kits… so far there has been only 5 games which we have seen both teams in a single colour for their full kit (I am including Senegal in this who do have a multi-coloured chest chevron), I hope this is something that continues through the rest of the tournament.

Groups E and F

Canada appearing in their first World Cup since 1986 have been dealt a bit a raw deal with their Kit Situation, based on the contract they currently have with Nike means they are the only team at this World Cup that are not in a “New” Kit but one they have had in place since 2021. I am sure this will change in the next Tournament where the Canadians are Co-Hosts.

Groups G and H

Switzerland v Cameroon gave us the unusual site of red v green, often not allowed due to impacts of colourblind supporters / viewers, the contrast in this particular match up was given by just yellow Cameroon socks, normally its the shorts that are changed to give the contrast between the kits.

Overall kit highlights for me…

Argentina v Saudi Arabia Kit Match up, the best so far for me.. Argentina in alternative black socks, Saudi Arabia in Away shirt / Home shorts and socks mash up, what’s not to like here!

The subtle detail in the Wales Shirt… yes it is a template shirt but that does not make it bad thing, the detail works really well and give the shirt a lttle more depth!

Japan’s Primary Kit, a favourite amougst the Kit Community and it’s clear to see why.. the detail in the shirt works well and the use of red trim and yellow numbers also gives the kit a different feel…. could the pattern also be on the back of the shirt, maybe… but we can’t have it all!

Nike have received some critisim for the kits they have produced for the World Cup but the France Primary Kit is one of the best on their roster. I tweeted about how nice it would have been for the boots to be gold here as well, creating a fully complementary kit look with the gold details.

Well, why not… what an image to capture the moment and the kit…!!

Round 1 of games is now complete, what are your favourite kits on show and will we see more variations of kits through out round 2 of games? Let me know in the comments below of over at @Kit_Geek on Twitter

England x Nike – 2022

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After months of speculation, rumour and DH Gate Knock offs, we have now seen the release of the Nike Kits for England for 2022/23, in effect the World Cup 2022 Kits.

I have thoughts…. I will always save final judgement of a kit when it is seen in action for the first time, however I did want to take some time and have look at the Kits as they have been presented to us so far!

Home

The home kit at first glance takes a lot of influence from the Umbro Home Kit worn between 1995-96, famously known as the kit worn at Euro 96, this is mainly due to the introduction of a light (almost turquoise) blue as one of the key detail of the kit.

The biggest element of change and controversy to the shirt, is with the shoulders and the introduction of blue in this part of the shirt, here is where for me the shirt takes more influence from 1980-83 Admiral shirt, worn at the 1982 World Cup… interesting one of the most loved shirts in England kit history but this one has initially not gone down as well! It’s an interesting design choice and something different in an England kit, these are always positive elements in my eyes, so I am falling on the side “Love It” of what is going to a “Marmite” shirt for many people.

The shorts are a lighter shade of blue that we have seen with previous kits, although still on the darker shade of the blue spectrum there is a significant change.  Matched with the light blue trim, again giving us those Euro 96 vibes.

Away

Immediately, thoughts go to 1990 and the away kit of the time… in fact that was the registered away shirt between 1990 and 1993, however was not used at Italia 90 and was not worn in 1993… but back to the present…

The shirt is clearly an adaptation of that Umbro shirt, with changes in the colour elements and for me this is what makes the kit a lot more interesting, the way that the light blue element seen in the home kit is also used in the away, the National Crest being blue really works for me the trim in the navy blue collar and the Nike “Tick” all taking this blue and creating something new in England’s Kit History.

Red shorts, returning with the red shirt means a return to all red as the default away look, which will be the first time this is the case since 1994-95 Away kit, yes we have seen all red many times of the years but this has always been alternative shorts used.

My final thoughts, these are interesting kits whether you like them or not one new in design with more subtle nods to the past, the other is a more traditional looking shirt and possible playing to “crowd” as an almost direct copy of kit it is paying tribute too, in my opinion treating these kits as a set Nike have given us a balance to their offering for their latest offering to England National Team and I look forward to seeing them in action.

One last thing… if you do not like them, their lifecycle will be fairly short… there will new kits in 18 months’ time!

Let me know your thoughts over at @Kit_Geek or in the comments below.

Harry Kane / England…. 48 & Counting

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On Monday 15th November 2021 the England Captain Harry Kane led his team to World Cup Qualification with emphatic 10-0 victory over San Marino, who themselves sporting their 90th Anniversay Kit based on their traditional flag. In the process of this victory, Kane bagged himself a four goal “haul” and becoming the joint 3rd highest goalscorer of the England National Men’s team.

  • Wayne Rooney – 53 Goals in 120 Games
  • Sir Bobby Charlton – 49 in 106
  • Gary Lineker – 48 in 80
  • Harry Kane – 48 in 67

Now, with me enjoying Kits and the stats behind the kits, I wanted to see a breakdown of these goals and the kits that were being worn by Kane.

Overview

Harry Kane made his debut on 27th March 2015 against Lithuania and marked his debut by scoring within 80 seconds of coming on as a second half substitute. The Kit England where wearing that evening was the All White Kit first introduced for the 2014 World Cup.

Harry Kane scoring his first England Goal

In the six and half years (and 66 caps) since that spring evening, Kane has worn 9 different England Kits used in a total of 14 Kit variations, which include the controversial Nike Vapor Templates used for Euro 2016 – One I actually quite like and thought it worked well in both Home and Away forms (but thats a discussion for another time), one 3rd Kit and a variety of different variations of the Home and Away kits.

Breakdown

  • Home Kits – 4 Kits used, 21 Goals Scored
  • Home Kit Variations – 3 Kits used, 13 Goals Scored
  • Away Kits – 3 Kits used, 7 Goals Scored
  • Away Kit Varations – 3 Kits used, 5 Goals Scored
  • 3rd Kit – 1 Kit, 2 goals

Highlights

The Kit that Kane has scored the most goals in is the first choice Home Kit used between 2018 and 2019, including the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Kane netted a total of 12 goals in this kit, including three Hat-Tricks against Panama (in the World Cup), Bulgaria and Montenegro in the Euro 2020 Qualifying campaign. There were also another 4 goals scored with this kit being used with white shorts.

The England Captain scoring a Hat-Trick against Panama at Russia 2018

The Nike Vapor Template has seen 3 different incarnations for England with Kane scoring in all three kits and counting the variations of socks that have been used a total of 5 different Kit Variations. In total Kane scored 9 goals in these kits

The 5 variations of Vapor Template used by England, all of which Kane scored in

2021 has seen Kane break the record for the most goals scored by an Englishman in a Calendar Year, with 16 goals in his 16 Appearences, this included 7 goals in his last two appreances, the final two qualiyfing matches for World Cup 2022, both games seeing all his goals scored in the first half of each match. In total in 2021, Kane scored 11 goals in the home kit, 5 in the default look with navy shorts and 6 in the all white look, the popular all blue away kit has seen 5 goals netted by the England Captain.

Kane netting a first half Hat-Trick against Albania, November 2021

If Harry Kane keeps this level of scoring up, the record is surely insight within the next year, a World Cup year… I hope to update this when the record is broken.

What are you favourite Kits worn by Harry Kane for England, let me know in the comments below of over at https://twitter.com/kit_geek

Diego Maradona – My tribute

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Wednesday 25th November 2020 the footballing world lost one of it’s most iconic and gifted players to ever take to the field and I wanted to pay my own small tribute to him.

Diego Armando Maradona, as he was in my Panini 1986 World Cup sticker album was footballing royality, he almost single handedly won a World Cup for his country and a spearheaded Napoli to their only two Serie A titles.

His 21 year career saw play for six different clubs in three countries, making 588 apperances and scoring 312 goals, on top of that his 91 caps and 34 goals for his beloved Argentina and appeared in four World Cups.

Love or hate him, he was a player whose ability and impact to the game we love should be respected, thank you for memories Diego…..

Maradona lifting the World Cup at Mexico City 1986
Playing against Manchester United in March 1984 in European Cup Winner’s Cup
Playing for Napoli in one of the change kits from 1990/91

There has hundred’s of tributes to Diego Maradona, what are you favourite memories??

World Cup Kit Log, Group Stage Round 3

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48 games….. 8 completed groups…. 32 teams and 62 kits used….!!

We have reached the end of the Group Stage with the final rounds completed and the biggest take away for me in this, is that 30 of 32 teams have worn both their kits.  There has been some interesting choices in using the “Second” choice kits for clashes and in some cases both team turning to their “Second” kits when there would have no real clash in using their “First” choice kits, FIFA or Manufacturer’s marketing their products, we will probably never know.

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Kits used for the first time in the Competition in this round:

  • Russia, Second kit
  • Spain, First kit
  • Morocco, Second kit
  • France, Second kit
  • Peru, Second kit
  • Germany, Second kit

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I want to call out the Germany kit here, this kit really is magnificent and for me one of the best kits seen produced in the recent years and unfortunately due to the team’s performance at this World Cup will always be remembered as the kit that was worn when they were knocked out the Competition

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We are still yet to see the full Colombia first choice kit, both appearances of the shirt have been matched with white shorts and socks, a surprising choice as not sure the blue shorts/red socks would have clashed too much with the all green kit of Senegal.

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Japan and Poland meet in their final Group games, a game that saw the only two teams to wear their “First” choice shirts for all three games in the group, however Poland did use white shorts, to create an all white kit which was a variation from their home kit, leaving Japan on their own as the only team to use one full kit for the Group Stage.

Round 3 kit highlights:

  • Germany’s kit, a thing of beauty that will now be remember for the wrong reasons
  • Japan wearing the full kit for all three games, only team to do so.
  • Finding out that teams have to nominate bib colours as well each game

My favourite kit of the round is the Germany kit.

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To see my look at the previous games in the Group Stage check these posts out…

World Cup Kit Log, Group Stage Round 1

World Cup Kit Log, Group Stage Round 2

World Cup Kit Log, Group Stage Round 2

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In what seems to be a flash of the eye we have reached the end of round 2 of the group games in the 2018 World Cup is over, no more 3 games spread over the day!

Looking at the kits used, the biggest thing that stands out for me is 24 out of the 32 teams have worn both there kits and there has been question as to reason that Countries have made these changes, especially as in the past the same teams have met and been able to wear their first choice kits.  Is this also a marketing ploy by kit manufacturers to maximise sales of kits or stricter FIFA ruling in terms of kit usage or maybe a combination of both….

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Russia’s socks were changed from the first game, on of my highlights of the first round of games (World Cup Kit Log, Group Stage Round 1) this was reported due to the top of the sock would clash with Egypt’s socks.  Another team that used their “First” choice kit for a second time with a variation was France, who wore a striking combination against Peru, with the dark blue shorts combined with the dark blue shirt and red socks for one of the complete kit highlights of the tournament so far for me.

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Nigeria used their much talked about “first” choice kit, this really is something completely new and I think the reason why it works so well and looks great in action. I also really like the Sweden “second” choice kit, the rich blue and yellow complimented each other perfectly and really stood out as a great kit.

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The highlight of these games for me was Mexico’s kit, a stunning kit, the deeper shades of Red and Green used in a classic style and design not often seen with the two horizontal stripes on the shirt, just stands out as a class kit.

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My final highlight is Colombia, that stunning blue kit based from the kit worn by many teams in 90s but interestingly not Colombia as far as I can tell, match with the bright orange trim, orange tonal badge, throw in the sea of yellow, blue and red in the crowd it just looks amazing all round and then David Ospina’s goalkeeper kit which is a call back to the Rene Higuita’s kit, a black kit with purple, green detailing and pink tonal badge…. Colombia creating a festival of colour!

Round 2 Kit Highlights:

  • France’s variation of “first” choice kit against Peru
  • Mexico’s kit… stunning!
  • Sweden in Blue
  • Colombia and all the colours….!

I am going to split my favourite kit of this round of game between two… including a goalkeeper kit… Mexico and the Colombian Goalkeeper kit.

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And so on to Round 3 of group games….!

World Cup Kit Log, Group Stage Round 1

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The World Cup is well and truly underway, we have now seen each of the 32 teams take to the field, so time to review the kits worn so far by each of the teams.

I am still not 100% sure whether the “Home” and “Away” kit labels are completely correct when it comes to International Tournaments, I think for the time being I will refer to them as “First” and “Second” choice kits.

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A few stats….

For the total of 32 kit appearances, we have seen “First” Kits (and variations) used 66% and “Second” kits (and variations) used 34% of the time.

First Choice – 15

First Choice variations – 6 (Egypt, France, Denmark, Croatia, Costa Rica, Colombia)

Second Choice – 8

Second Choice variations – 3 (Uruguay, Argentina, England) 

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It is nice to see some of these kits finally in action, the Adidas kits have stood out to me, in particular the Argentina kit and the Mexico kit, I also want to call out the Iceland kit here as well, whether it was the contrast with the black Argentinian kit or the bright white kit on a summer’s day but it really seemed to work, coupled with a goalkeeper kit that is of the same template in red, the package just works for me….. well played Errea.

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England went for an all red kit, the first time they have worn an away kit (which also was all red) at a World Cup since 2010, to be fair that was only three games! I thought this looked great, the red shorts and in particular the red tonal badge and Nike “swoosh”, really worked and gave the kit a more modern balance in terms of colour.

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Overall kit highlights for me…

  • Russia’s socks
  • Argentina v Iceland…. (maybe the new Scotland v Denmark in Mexico 86 for World Cup kit match up perfection… I have gone too far, I know)
  • Mexico’s kit
  • England all in red

For me, my favourite kit on show so far, is this combination of “Second” choice shirt and socks, with “First” choice away shorts from Argentina

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Round 1 of games is now complete, what are your favourite kits on show and will we see more variations of kits through out round 2 of games.