Schalke Sport Mismatched Makeshift Shorts in DFB-Pokal
Aug 25, 2026, by Chris
- Mismatched Shorts in DFB-Pokal: FC Schalke 04 played their DFB-Pokal match against Hallescher FC in an unusual kit, featuring alternative blue shorts that did not strictly belong to any officially released 26-27 kit.
- Reason for Kit Change: Schalke had to switch from their standard white home shorts to avoid a color clash with Hallescher FC, but Adidas apparently did not provide bespoke change shorts for them.
- Specific Kit Inconsistency: The royal blue shorts worn featured crisp plain white Adidas Three Stripes, a noticeable inconsistency compared to the lighter blue accents on the home shirt's template, suggesting a makeshift teamwear solution.
FC Schalke 04 took to the pitch for their DFB-Pokal first-round fixture against Hallescher FC in an unusual kit mashup. Football kit designer Final Third Creative spotted a noticeable detail mismatch in the Royal Blues' look, with the team wearing alternative blue shorts that do not strictly belong to any officially released 26-27 kit.
Schalke Wears Unmatching Shorts
Schalke's primary 26-27 adidas home kit combines a royal blue shirt, featuring light blue and white roof-inspired detailing, with white shorts and blue socks. Facing Hallescher FC, who wear white shorts, Schalke had to switch away from their standard first-choice shorts to avoid a color clash. But Adidas apparently did not create bespoke change shorts for them.
The royal blue shorts worn on the night featured crisp plain white adidas Three Stripes rather than the lighter blue accents found on the home shirt's template. The slight inconsistency in trim color points to a makeshift teamwear solution assembled specifically to solve the cup clash.
Adidas Gives Czechia and Singapore Identical Kit Designs
Following Czechia's high-profile switch from Puma to Adidas after 33 years, kit enthusiasts quickly spotted an uncanny similarity between Czechia's newly unveiled 26-27 home shirt and another recent Adidas addition: Singapore. Both national teams recently parted ways with long-term suppliers, with Singapore ending a two-decade partnership with Nike just weeks before Czechia ended their three-decade Puma era, only for both to receive remarkably similar shirts from the Three Stripes.
The resemblance between the two red shirts is unmistakable. Both jerseys rely on the exact same template and trim styling, built around a red base with a white crew collar bordered by thin navy blue piping, matching white sleeve cuffs with identical navy trim, and white Three Stripes across the shoulders. The primary visual difference is found in the texture of the fabric, as Singapore's kit incorporates a subtle tonal wave pattern, whereas Czechia's jersey arrives in a plain, solid red finish. Even the promotional launch shots look almost mirrored, with both federations photographing players seated or standing while holding an Adidas Tiro football.
The duplication stems from Adidas' streamlined template strategy when signing new federations on tight turnaround times. With both agreements sealed relatively late in the cycle, bespoke tailor-made graphics were kept to a minimum, resulting in what fans have labeled accidental twin kits on opposite sides of the globe.
Closer Look: Raphinha Tests Next-Gen Adidas Predator 27 Prototype Boots
FC Barcelona winger Raphinha has become the latest star to be spotted testing the next-generation Adidas Predator 2027 prototype boots. Following recent sightings of Jules Koundé and Anthony Gordon, the Brazilian forward laced up the unreleased fold-over tongue model during training, offering the clearest on-pitch look yet at what the Three Stripes have prepared for their flagship control silo.
Barcelona Debut Red Shorts and Socks Variant
Barcelona officially debuted a red shorts and socks variant with their 2026-27 home shirt in the away match against Valencia, avoiding a potential kit clash.
The combination was previously used in a friendly against Birmingham City last month and is set to be used regularly throughout the season. It also marks the fourth time in the last five seasons that Barcelona have used red as a supplementary colour alongside their home shirt.
The new combination made a memorable competitive debut as Barcelona secured a 5-0 win over Valencia.
Thanks to @jerseystory_vn for the information and collage.
SV Zulte Waregem 26-27 Third Kit Released - 25th Anniversary Design
Belgian side SV Zulte Waregem and kit supplier Patrick have officially released their new third kit for the 26-27 season. Celebrating the club's silver jubilee marking 25 years since their formation in 2001, Essevee swap out their traditional red, green, and white colours for an understated black and silver look dubbed "Memories worth a touch of silver."
The Patrick SV Zulte Waregem 26-27 third jersey features a black base detailed with thin vertical silver pinstripes down the front. A closer inspection reveals that the pinstripes incorporate handwritten script documenting key milestones and dates throughout the club's history, highlighting achievements such as their inaugural 2001-02 title and their memorable 2012-13 campaign as league runners-up.
Completing the anniversary aesthetic, the jersey is finished with a silver V-neck collar and matching sleeve cuffs. All branding—including the monochrome SV Zulte Waregem club crest, Patrick maker's marks, and primary sponsors iDocta and Elindus—appears in silver and white to match the unified commemorative design.
Napoli Wears Last Season's Shorts Against Inter - Here Is Why
In their Serie A clash against Inter at San Siro, SSC Napoli caught the attention of eagle-eyed Napoli kit expert @TutelaMagliaNA. For the 26-27 centenary season, EA7 designed two distinct pairs of white shorts: the home shorts carry the club's special centenary crest, while the away version features an alternate Mount Vesuvius-themed logo. Because the red jersey used the standard circular Napoli crest, pairing it with either of the 26-27 white shorts would have caused a clash of emblems on the same uniform.
Rather than producing a third set of white change shorts solely to carry the standard badge, Napoli simply reused their plain white match shorts from 25-26.