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

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. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP)

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.Shirts