As well as football, the 2022 World Cup is also an opportunity for the world’s best sports brands to flex their best ideas for kits. However, as ever, there are some hits and misses when it comes to the tournament’s jerseys.
But we will be focusing on the hits; here are our five favourite kits at the 2022 World Cup.
#5: France away
Starting off at number five is an artistic offering from France and Nike. Featuring a blue pattern on top of a white jersey, France’s alternate strip takes inspiration from history.
The numerous pictures across the shirt – featuring landmarks and iconic moments of French history – is in reference to 18th-century fabric design.
Known as “Toile de Jouy”, the style used prints of historic scenes, landscapes, or stories.
France’s away shirt follows this style. Nike has included images of L’Arc de Triomphe, scenes of the French revolution, but also the Clairefontaine Academy. The French football and Nike logos are in a bright blue, which helps them stand out while not detracting from the rest of the kit.
Nike coupled their white-coloured shirt with royal blue shorts and white socks. Both the shirt and shorts have a tricolor trim at the base, which is a nice added touch.
Put together, it makes for a top-quality tapestry and a classy kit.
Although this is Nike’s only entry in our top five, the US brand have produced a brilliant array of kits – with this France number the pick of the bunch.
#4: Ecuador away
Just beating France into fourth place is an absolute corker of a kit from Ecuador. Coming in an understated navy, kit maker Marathon Sports has truly knocked this one out of the park. The brand has made many subtle references to Ecuador as a country in this kit.
Firstly, a map of Ecuador is on the upper back of all three of their kits – but on this away effort, it is in white. Additionally, white cuffs frame the kit beautifully, whilst also featuring the Ecuador flag in the trim.
Completing the low-key trim is the monochromatic Marathon Logo and Ecuador crest. However, the stand-out feature is the stunning pattern adorned across the shirt.
This beautiful geometric style covers the torso on the front of the shirt in royal blue, standing out from the navy base.
Per Classic Football Shirts, the pattern “reflects national unity”. Given that Marathon hail from Ecuador, this alternate strip is a true expression of national pride. We love it and hope to see it get some on-pitch action at the World Cup.
#3: Germany away
There must be something about away kits that enhance artistic license. Like Marathon and Ecuador, Adidas have pulled out all the stops for their homeland, Germany.
Whilst the home kit is a classy rendition of the traditional white German strip, Die Mannschaft’s away effort is third on our World Cup kits list.
Using black as a base colour, the main design of the jersey incorporates a maroon graphic that covers the front and sleeves.
Adidas themselves say that the pattern is actually a “D” for “Deutschland” in a blurred script. Most importantly, though, it looks very cool.
Germany then coupled the patterned shirt with gold Adidas stripes over the shoulders and gold badges. Meanwhile, a plain black back allows the gold name and number prints to stand out further.
Finally, black/gold shorts and socks complete a truly excellent kit. If Germany can go far in this tournament, this away jersey may go down as a classic.
#2: Japan home
Taking the runner-up spot is a fantastic offering from Japan. Although this time it is the home shirt that has made our list, breaking the away kit monopoly.
The Samurai Blue always have top-notch kits, but this World Cup number is on another level.
Coming in a traditional, but two-tone, blue, the angular design on Japan’s shirt is inspired by their badge. The lighter blue shapes are actually origami crows – referencing the bird that features on the football team’s crest. This crow is, in fact, a “Yatagarasu” – a mythological creature that symbolises guidance.
Away from the funky design, the shirt features a round-neck collar in a deep blue shade. To go with this, Adidas opted for white stripes on the shoulders and a white logo. In contrast, the Japan crest retains its traditional colours.
The German brand then framed the front of the jersey with solid red stripes – an homage to the Japanese flag.
Meanwhile, the back of the shirt is plain blue. White shorts with blue stripes add to this wonderful number, with the socks mimicking the shirt design.
Japan have a penchant for churning out classic kits – and we think that this offering is their best.
#1: Mexico away
Finally, coming in at number one is a simply incredible kit from Mexico. Yet again, this shirt comes from Adidas, who have taken a clean sweep of our podium.
Mexico have a long history of stunning World Cup kits, and this away shirt from Adidas is another to add to their collection.
In a similar fashion to their 1998 World Cup strips, Mexico’s away shirt takes inspiration from their history. This sublime 2022 design is a tribute to the Mixtec and Aztec empires that ruled the land now known as Mexico.
Sitting on a “wonder white” base, the bright red pattern that encapsulates the front has a purpose.
Adidas say that the geometric design features Aztec gods to “summon the fighting spirit required to rule the football world”.
These cultural references continue on the back of the shirt thanks to an image of Quetzalcoatl. The deity’s place on the jersey is meant to represent human physical prowess and abilities.
To ensure that they do not detract from the design, dark red logos and trim provide a quality touch to the artistic shirt. Then, as a nod to the colours of Mexico’s flag, Adidas complements the jersey with green shorts and red socks.
This is an absolute classic of a kit, which has also sold out already on Adidas’ website. When considering all the kits available, we think this is the best at this year’s World Cup.
But what do you think? Let us know your favourite across our socials!
Featured image credit: Getty