No More Jako: North Macedonia to Sign Adidas Kit Deal
- Kit Deal Change: North Macedonia is reportedly ending its 13-year partnership with Jako and signing a new kit deal with Adidas starting in the 2026-27 season.
- Stagnant Partnership: The partnership with Jako was marked by a lack of new designs, with only two distinct jersey packages produced in 13 years.
- Fan Concerns: There is concern among fans that Adidas might provide North Macedonia with basic, templated designs rather than bespoke kits.
After 13 years together, the North Macedonian national team is reportedly preparing to end its long-standing partnership with German brand Jako to sign a new deal with Adidas, starting in the 2026-27 season.
The news was brought to light by the local North Macedonian football news channel, @xmksport.
North Macedonia to Sign Adidas Kit Deal From 26-27 Season
Adidas is said to become the kit supplier for North Macedonia starting from the 2026-27 season, possibly after the 2026 World Cup.
Jako has been the kit supplier for North Macedonia for over a decade, but the partnership has been notoriously stagnant.
Jako only produced two distinct jersey packages throughout their entire 13-year journey with the national team. The current kits, which have been in use since 2023, were reportedly only commissioned after immense public outrage over the team wearing the same outdated designs for several years.
The transition to a "World Brand" like Adidas will undoubtedly create a massive commercial boost and increase jersey sales for the North Macedonian Football Federation. However, the move is not without its concerns for kit enthusiasts.
Adidas has a tiered system for its national teams. While top-priority "Elite" nations like Italy, Argentina, and Spain receive highly bespoke, custom designs, smaller federations often get the short end of the stick.
There is a genuine fear within the North Macedonian fanbase that they might receive the same treatment as countries like Latvia or Curacao, who are frequently handed basic, one-color teamwear templates with minimal customization.
Fans will be hoping that the federation negotiated a deal that guarantees at least some level of bespoke design to honor the nation's identity, rather than just a standard catalog shirt with a crest slapped on it.
Are you excited to see North Macedonia wearing the Three Stripes? Do you think Adidas will give them a bespoke design or a basic template? Let us know in the comments below.
