With the Qatar World Cup set to get underway in mid-November, adidas released a number of Federation Kits back in August of the various nations that will be competing in the winter tournament.
Here is a look at some of the best shirts to feature at the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Japan (home)
From the back, Japan’s home shirt may seem like an uninspiring solid blue number. Upon closer inspection, however, it is anything but.
The Adidas designers have been meticulous in their detailing, producing an intricate design with an origami-like crane graphic repeated on the front of the shirt in various hues of blue. The complex patterns contrast with the iconic three stripes and logo, both in bold white.
This home shirt is likely to get its tournament debut against Germany on November 23rd. Japan go up against Die Mannschaft, Spain and Costa Rica in Group E, aiming to spring a surprise on users who bet on World Cup.
The Samurai Blue are outsiders to qualify from the group, with Paddy Power offering them odds of 11/4 to make the knockout rounds and a few pundits offering 2022 World Cup predictions of them progressing beyond the group stages.
Japan will hope this new shirt brings them the same fortunes as in 2018 when they reached the round of 16 before a narrow defeat to Belgium.
Argentina (home)
Argentina is another nation to get the Adidas treatment with their new jersey, and their entry is no less impressive. Again, the new and minimalised adidas logo makes an appearance, which makes its football debut at the 2022 World Cup.
Unlike Japan’s shirt, however, the back of this Argentina number is what really sets it apart, with thinner stripes in the middle used to represent an elongated form of the ‘Sol de Mayo’, Argentina’s national emblem.
Of course, any shirt would look impressive with the iconic ‘Messi 10’ on the back, but this jersey goes beyond mere basics. Argentina’s captain will look to couple success in the 2021 Copa America – his first major international trophy – with triumph in Qatar 2022.
The Albiceleste face a tough group comprising Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia, although they are still one of the favourites to end up tournament winners.
Mexico (away)
Mexico is a nation that is never shy of a stunning shirt, and 2022 is no different. While the home shirt could easily have been mentioned, the detail of their away number could not be ignored.
The vibrant pattern spanning the entire shirt is inspired by Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered-Serpent deity of ancient Aztec culture, which is given room to flourish thanks to a toned-down logo, badge, and three stripes.
As mentioned above, Mexico finds itself in Argentina’s group, which looks set to be an intense battle for the second spot.
Qualifying for the round of 16 hasn’t been an issue in the last seven tournaments for El Tri, although they are yet to make it past this stage since 1986. Gerardo Martino’s side will be hoping their Aztec-inspired kit will bring them better fortunes at Qatar 2022.
With Adidas pulling out all the stops for Qatar 2022, fans across the globe can only hope that the standard of football matches the quality of the shirts on the pitch. It is set to be a tournament like no other, with any nation in with a chance of glory.