WOW: 2022 World Cup Star Gvardiol Tapes Laceless Adidas X Speedportal Boots
Croatian center-back Joško Gvardiol probably has been one of the best players of the 2022 World Cup so far. This did not stop him to make some adjustments to his boots for the quarter-final against Brazil.
Gvardiol Tapes Laceless Adidas X Speedportal+ Boots For Better Lockwodn
Joško Gvardiol put the tape around the midfoot area of his laceless Adidas X Speedportal+ soccer cleats. Why?
Adidas' laceless boots come off the feet to easily
By putting tape around the midfoot, Gvardiol increases the lockdown of the Adidas X Speedportal+ football boots. This also secures that the boots don't come off his feet.
Indeed, it is spotted regularly that Adidas' laceless boots come off a player's feet in tacklings. This happened after a harsh foul to South Korea's Son in the 2022 World Cup vs Uruguay, and very often happens to Spain's Pedri (Adidas Copa).
Interestingly, in the Round of 16 match against Japan, Gvardiol did wear his boots without any modifications.
We don't expect Gvardiol to change to boots with laces during the 2022 World Cup
It remains to be seen if Joško Gvardiol will switch to the laces version of the Adidas X Speedportal, or if he will tape his boots also in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals against Argentina.
Do you think Gvardiol will stitch to the laces version of the Adidas X Speedportal football boots in the 2022 World Cup? Comment below.
Como 1907 Announce Kit Design Contest
Italian club Como 1907 has launched a new design contest, inviting fans and designers to create a new look for the team. While the official announcement asked supporters to design a t-shirt for Como, it is likely that the club is referring to a football kit, given the context of the post and the reactions from the fanbase.
The club has kept the instructions incredibly open, stating there is no brief, no rules, and no excuses. To enter the competition, fans simply need to create their design, post it on Instagram, and tag the official Como 1907 account.
The announcement has already sparked significant interest online, with numerous supporters sharing their concepts and ideas. Whether the winning design will be produced as an official match kit, a pre-match shirt, or a special edition lifestyle item remains to be seen, but it offers a unique opportunity for fans to leave their mark on the club's visual identity.
FIFA Denies Guillermo Ochoa 2026 World Cup Legacy Patch Over Appearance Rules
Guillermo Ochoa has been denied the chance to wear FIFA's new legacy patch at the 2026 World Cup. Despite being selected for six World Cup tournaments spanning from 2006 to 2026, the Mexican goalkeeper does not meet the strict criteria set by FIFA. The governing body requires players to have made on-pitch appearances in at least five different World Cups to qualify for the special badge.
Ochoa did not play any minutes during the 2006 and 2010 tournaments, meaning he has only registered on-pitch appearances in three World Cups prior to the 2026 edition. Because of this, FIFA officially refused to award him the patch. Other veterans playing in the tournament, such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Manuel Neuer, and Yuto Nagatomo, have received the legacy patch for meeting the five-tournament appearance threshold.
The Mexican Football Federation is reportedly planning to push for a reconsideration of the ruling. If Ochoa features in a match during the 2026 tournament, the federation intends to appeal FIFA's decision in hopes of securing the legacy patch for the veteran goalkeeper.
Yokohama FC 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Japanese J2 League club Yokohama FC have officially released their new Puma 2026-27 home, away, and goalkeeper kits. The new Yokohama FC 26-27 shirts feature an abstract graphic design that represents flow and movement across all the jerseys. The home jersey is predominantly blue, while the away kit is white. The goalkeeper kits complete the collection in red and yellow colorways. The Puma Yokohama FC 2026-27 kits are available to purchase via the club's online store.
Barry Town United 26-27 Kits Released
Welsh Cymru Premier side Barry Town United AFC have officially unveiled their new Macron kits for the 2026-27 season. Produced by the Italian sportswear brand, the newly released collection features bespoke designs tailored for the club's upcoming campaign. Fans looking to purchase the new shirts can currently find them available exclusively at the Macron Sports Hub Cardiff store.