18 World Cup Kits May Not Be Worn in Group Stage

A report from BBC Sport indicates that 18 national teams' kits may not be worn during the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to FIFA's color clash regulations. A total of 48 participating teams will unveil 108 outfield kits, with 87 guaranteed to appear at least once during the group phase.

Each nation has submitted traditional home and away shirts, with 12 countries releasing distinct third kits. However, several teams, including Ghana and Uzbekistan, will not have their away shirts scheduled for use.

Other nations like Australia, Austria, Belgium, Curacao, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Ivory Coast, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal, Senegal, and South Africa will also have their third shirts sidelined. Conversely, Canada, Cape Verde, Mexico, Panama, England, and Scotland will rotate between two available shirts.

FIFA's kit selection aims to avoid color clashes and maintain visual consistency across matches, with opportunities for teams to showcase unused designs if they progress to the knockout rounds.