18 World Cup kits may not be worn during tournament - Report

A significant number of national team kits, potentially as many as 18, might not see action during the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This situation arises from FIFA's finalized kit selections for the tournament's 72 opening matches, as reported by BBC Sport.

Out of the 108 outfield kits unveiled by the 48 participating teams, only 87 are confirmed to be worn at least once in the initial phase. The remaining shirts, predominantly away and third kits, face the possibility of remaining unused unless their respective teams progress to the knockout rounds.

FIFA's decisions are driven by the need to avoid color clashes between opposing teams and maintain visual consistency during matches. While traditional home and away kits are submitted by every nation, 12 countries have also introduced a third kit. Several of these additional designs are now at risk of being sidelined for the first three games.

Among the away kits not scheduled for group stage appearances, BBC Sport highlighted six as particularly impressive designs: those from Austria, Belgium, Curacao, Japan, Ivory Coast, and South Africa. Curacao's away shirt, in particular, was voted the most popular by BBC Sport readers among those unlikely to feature. Japan's away kit also received high praise. For Curacao, making their World Cup debut, this means their striking alternative strip might only be showcased if they reach the later stages of the competition.