Croatia U17 Wore "Makeshift" Adidas Kit Before Official Launch
- Partnership Transition: Croatia transitioned from a 26-year partnership with Nike to Adidas on August 1, 2026, though the bespoke senior match kits were not officially launched until September 15.
- Makeshift Youth Kit: Before the official launch, Croatia's youth national teams, like the U-17 squad, wore a temporary, customized Adidas teamwear solution in August 2026, characterized by larger checkers and a lack of refined cultural details.
- Senior Team Exemption: The senior national team did not have to wear the transitional design, as they were set to debut the official, culturally infused kits in their UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Following the expiration of Croatia's 26-year partnership with Nike on July 31, 2026, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) officially kicked off its new long-term era with Adidas on August 1. However, with the bespoke senior match kits not unveiled until September 15, Croatia's youth national teams had to take to the field in an unexpected interim design.
Adidas Croatia 26-27 'Makeshift' Kit
This picture shows the makeshift Adidas Croatia kit worn by the U-17 team in August 2026.
The temporary Adidas Croatia 2026-27 jersey is a customized teamwear solution featuring the country's iconic red-and-white checkerboard pattern.
Compared to bespoke Croatian kits, this stopgap design utilizes noticeably larger checkers across the front, plain white raglan sleeves with red Adidas three-stripes, a simple red round collar, and a red Adidas logo on the right chest.
Most significantly, the makeshift kit completely lacks the refined cultural details seen on the official Croatia 26-27 home kit. By contrast, the youth teams played in a completely flat, non-textured checkerboard base.
The senior national team never had to wear the transitional design, as they are slated to debut the official Glagolitic-infused kits in upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Nevertheless, this interim jersey serves as a fascinating, short-lived bridging piece marking the very first days of the Adidas-Croatia reunion.
What do you think of the Adidas Croatia 2026-27 makeshift kit? Let me know in the comments below.