FIFA World Cup 2026: Decoding the colourful jerseys, and how India's blues could look on the big stage

Representation pic

Culture kick-off

PICS COURTESY/ADIDAS, PUMA

Egypt: Arguably the boldest design of the lot, the crimson red jersey takes a maximalist approach using the imagery of the Great Pyramids. Spot that icon near the neckline? That's Ankh, the ancient Egyptian emblem associated with life and eternity.

Colombia: The Colombian home kit stays true to its iconic yellow base, A closer look at the fabric, and you'll spot butterfly motifs - a nod to novelist Gabriel García Márquez's famous yellow butterflies that populate his stories.

New Zealand: This elegant design takes inspiration from Hau, the Māori concept of wind. Curving cloud-like sigils feature on the shirt, representing the four winds and the journeys that have united players from different backgrounds

Ghana: This golden yellow outfit takes its inspiration from Makola Market, the commercial soul of Accra. The design reflects the colour, movement and bustle of one of Ghana's busiest trading hubs. Trust this one to match the celebrations when the Black Stars score.

Belgium: We tip our hat to the designer who turned the Red Devils' away jersey into a canvas, quite literally. Belgian artist Rene Magritte's 1928 masterpiece, La Voix des Airs, comes alive in this minimalist jersey that might just be our pick of the tournament.

Indian dreams

ILLUSTRATION COURTESY/Aravindan Umashankar

While Team India could not make the cut this year, mid-day invited artist Aravindan Umashankar to imagine how he would have designed the Indian jersey if the team joined the action onfield.

Jerseys are no longer confined to the field. They're a fashion statement and part of everyday outfits. I retained the classic blue shade associated with India's jerseys across sports. The ancient Ikat weaving technique where yarns are tied and dyed before they are woven into fabric would be the perfect way to showcase our rich textile history.

Aravindan Umashankar

AVAILABLE in.puma.com, adidas.co.in (all jerseys of participating nations)
COST Rs 3599 onwards

Paw-some styles

Planning to catch the football action from your living room? Don't leave your four-legged friends out. For the first time ever, select jerseys are available for pets.
AVAILABLE adidas.com