Adidas Uses Cheap Plastic Badges for World Cup Winners Kits Instead of Official 3D Version
Aug 16, 2026, by Chris
- Downgrade in Badge Quality: Adidas is using flat, thin plastic heat-transfer badges for World Cup winners kits, a significant downgrade from the premium, official 3D badges manufactured by Sporting iD.
- Striking Visual Difference: The Adidas-produced badge is completely flat with a dull gold finish on cheap plastic, while the official Sporting iD badge features a textured, raised 3D effect with detailed embossing and a radiant gold finish.
- Bypassing Official Supplier: Adidas has increasingly shifted to pre-applying tournament and champions badges directly in its manufacturing facilities, thereby bypassing the official supplier Sporting iD for badge distribution.
We have noticed a significant downgrade in the quality of the FIFA World Champions badges used on Adidas kits. Rather than utilizing the premium, official badge manufactured by Sporting iD, the Three Stripes brand has opted to apply its own flat, thin plastic heat-transfer version. Huge thanks to Subside Sports for the images of the Sporting iD badge.
FIFA Badges: Adidas Bypasses Official Supplier Sporting iD
The difference between the two badges is striking. The official badge produced by authentic supplier Sporting iD boasts a textured, raised 3D effect with detailed embossing and a radiant gold finish. In contrast, the Adidas-manufactured version is completely flat, featuring a matte, dull gold finish on a noticeably cheap, thin plastic film.
Official Sporting iD 2026 World Cup Badge
Adidas has increasingly shifted to pre-applying tournament and champions badges directly in its manufacturing facilities, effectively bypassing Sporting iD. This move mirrors what occurred with the 2026 tournament sleeve patches, which were not distributed via standard official badge channels, but only available for Adidas kits, federations, and stores with very strict guidelines.
While Argentina previously wore the high-end Sporting iD 3D champions badge, they transitioned to the thinner Adidas-produced variant; Spain's latest winner shirts hit retail with the pre-applied thin plastic badge, and the team is expected to wear the flat version on pitch - despite having sported the embossed Sporting iD badge during initial title celebrations.
For us, the cost-cutting, flat heat-transfer aesthetic takes away from the prestige of a World Champions kit.
Japan U20 Debuts All-White Away Kit Variant
The all-white variation of Japan's away kit made its official debut during Japan U20's dominant 8-0 victory over Cambodia U20 in the U20 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Previously, Japan premiered the original ensemble (black shorts and white socks) in a friendly match against Scotland, followed by an all-black shorts and socks variant during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash with Brazil.
Leicester City 26-27 Away Retro Collection Released
Expanding on their retro-inspired aesthetic for the season, Leicester City and Adidas have officially dropped a new lifestyle apparel collection under the Adidas Originals banner. Following the popular launch of their Trefoil away shirt earlier this summer, the latest range focuses on timeless club heritage infused with classic Three Stripes street style.
The standout piece of the collection is a royal blue long-sleeve jersey adorned with an intricate all-over diagonal jacquard pattern. Much like the 26-27 away kit, the piece prominently features the iconic Adidas Trefoil alongside Leicester's nostalgic 'Running Fox' crest, which famously adorned the club's shirts until 1992. Matching royal blue three stripes run down the shoulders and sleeves to complete the vintage look.
Alongside the long-sleeve shirt, the collection includes an archival blue t-shirt with a bold white chest stripe, classic track jackets, hoodies, and matching track pants. The full Leicester City x Adidas Originals range is available now at the club's official online store and the Foxes Fanstore at King Power Stadium.
QPR to Wear Blackout Third Kit at Home
Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that they will step away from their traditional blue and white hoops for their upcoming home fixture, wearing their 26-27 blackout third kit instead when they host Middlesbrough. The club stated that the team will sport the alternative strip at home for one match only.
The one-off switch is tied to a community initiative organized in partnership with principal shirt sponsor MrQ and charity partner KitAid. Under the campaign, supporters attending the match are encouraged to trade in their old football shirts in exchange for a complimentary blackout shirt, with the donated kits distributed to disadvantaged communities across the globe.
Crafted by Italian brand Erreà, the stealthy 26-27 third strip features tonal dark hoops accompanied by subdued, murdered-out club crest and sponsor details.
Chievo Verona 26-27 Away Kit Released
Italian Serie D side AC Chievo Verona and technical sponsor EVOL have officially unveiled the club's new away kit for the 26-27 campaign. Following the release of their classic gialloblù home shirt late last month, the newly revealed alternate strip introduces an artistic look built on a white base.
The EVOL Chievo Verona 26-27 away jersey features a white foundation accented by a bold, cracked-effect blue vertical stripe running down the center of the chest and echoed along the tops of the sleeves. Across the bottom hem, a tonal line illustration depicts the local Diga del Chievo weir, anchoring the shirt to the club's neighborhood roots. Fine yellow and blue trim outlines the collar and cuffs, with "Chievo Verona 1929" inscribed on the back of the neck and on the sleeve edges.
The design is completed with the club's crest over the heart, blue EVOL branding, and main sponsor Vitanuova printed across the front. The new away uniform is available directly through the club's official channels ahead of the 26-27 Serie D season.