The Truth Behind Adidas' New 2026 World Cup 3 Stripes Design

For the 2026 World Cup, Adidas will introduce new, bigger 3 stripes. However, the overall size of the new 3 stripes trademark is actually the same as before - let's find out why.

FIFA Manufacturer Identifier (MI) Rule - Maximum Width of Manufacturer Bang Must Maintain Width of 8 cm

Adidas could not increase both the width of the bars and the space between - it would have covered more than 8cm

The rule states that an MI Band (Manufacturer Identifier Band) - like Adidas' three stripes - must maintain a total width of 8cm. As a result, Adidas' design evolution for 2026 had to work within this constraint.

The traditional 3 stripes already have a total width of 8cm. See below the Adidas solution.

• Keep the total width of the three stripes area identical (as required by FIFA)
• Make each individual stripe wider for more visual impact
• Reduce the spacing between stripes to compensate
• Result: More prominent stripes while complying with FIFA's width restriction, but harder to recognize as 3 stripes from afar

Of course, we do not know if Adidas would have done this regardless of the FIFA 8cm rule. However, everything indicates that this has been the case.

This showcases how FIFA's equipment regulations directly influence even the most iconic elements of football kit design, with manufacturers like Adidas having to innovate within these established parameters.

Check out the full FIFA Equipment Regulations 2025 for all Manufacturer Identifier requirements. Designs such as giant three stripes, seen in the 1990s, are also forbidden nowadays.

FIFA Has Already Forbidden Player Cutting Socks

Adidas Introduces Giant 3 Stripes - Exact Dimensions Leaked

Mar 7, 2026

Do you like Adidas' bigger 3 stripes solution? Should FIFA allow larger Manufacturer Identifiers? Let us know in the comments below.