Despite FIFA Encouragement: Most National Teams Don't Have Third Kits for 2026
Mar 25, 2026, by Chris
- FIFA's Recommendation: In 2022, FIFA updated its Equipment Regulations, encouraging national teams to have a third kit to avoid color clashes.
- Limited Adoption: Despite FIFA's encouragement, most national teams still operate with only two kits (home and away), with only a few exceptions like Mexico, Norway, Canada and Ecuador.
- Brand Hesitancy: Major brands like Adidas, Nike, and Puma are hesitant to widely introduce third kits for national teams, despite the commercial potential.
Back in September 2022, FIFA officially updated its Equipment Regulations, strongly encouraging national teams to have a "second Alternative Playing Kit" (a third kit) to avoid any potential color clashes on the biggest stage.
The 2025 FIFA Equipment Regulations paritucalry mention a "third kit"
Fast forward four years to the upcoming 2026 World Cup cycle, and has the landscape changed? Not really.
The 2026 World Cup Third Kit Landscape
While club football is currently flooded with third, fourth, and special-edition cup kits every single season, international football remains stubbornly traditional. The vast majority of national federations still operate on a strict two-kit rotation (home and away) every two years.
To comply with FIFA's strict clash rules, brands typically ensure that one of these two kits is either entirely white or very close to it.
However, there are a few exceptions breaking the mold for the 2026 cycle. Currently, at least four nations boast an official third kit, as seen in the composite image above:
- Mexico (Adidas)
- Norway (Nike)
- Canada (Nike)
- Ecuador (Marathon)
In 2022, only Canada, Denmark, and Ecuador had official third options.
Why Are Big Brands Hesitant?
Despite the obvious commercial potential of selling a third national team jersey, the heavy hitters in the kit world—Adidas, Nike, and Puma—apparently do not think the time has come for widespread international third kits just yet.
While the major brands have happily expanded national team portfolios in other ways - such as finally giving many Women's national teams completely bespoke designs and occasionally releasing one-off anniversary kits - the standard third kit remains a rarity.
What About Germany?
Interestingly, one of the biggest federations in the world is set to join the third kit club. However, fans shouldn't expect to see it in North America, as it will likely only be released after the 2026 World Cup.
For now, the traditional two-kit format will dominate the 2026 tournament, with only a select few nations bringing a backup option in their luggage.
Should national teams have a third kit? Let us know in the comments below.
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