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.
Special Coventry City 2026 Pink October Kit Released
Coventry City and Hummel have unveiled a special limited-edition all-pink shirt to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Released on October 1, the jersey inaugurates a month-long series of club initiatives dedicated to raising awareness and supporting the fight against breast cancer.
The Coventry City 26-27 Breast Cancer Awareness kit is predominantly vibrant pink, styled with alternating tonal vertical stripes that incorporate a subtle pattern. Clean white accents complement the design, utilized for the Hummel logo, the monochrome club crest, and principal partner Monzo across the midriff. Positioned prominently at the center of the chest is the iconic breast cancer awareness ribbon.
The special one-off release joins the Sky Blues' 26-27 collection as a dedicated charity drop, highlighting an important cause with an eye-catching tonal aesthetic.
Copa América Champions Badge Returns to Argentina Kits
After two years, the reigning South American Champions badge officially makes its return to the Albiceleste jersey, following the end of Argentina’s reign as world champions.
The badge last appeared during 2024 Copa América. Since then, despite holding both Copa América and World Cup titles, Argentina consistently gave priority to the World Cup badge.
Big thanks to @whatthekit_x for spotting and create the collage.
Melbourne Victory 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Melbourne Victory has officially unveiled its new home and away kits for the 26-27 A-League season. The launch marks the club's first matchwear collection produced under their new four-year technical partnership with Melbourne-based streetwear and activewear brand Elite Eleven.
The 26-27 home kit delivers a timeless look grounded in the club's traditional colours. It features a deep navy base accented by the iconic white Big V across the chest, complemented by white piping along the crew neck collar and raglan sleeve seams. Elite Eleven's signature logo sits centrally above the chevron, with Turkish Airlines remaining as the primary shirt sponsor.
In contrast to the classic home design, the Melbourne Victory 26-27 away jersey introduces a vibrant and modern aesthetic. It uses a bright neon fluro base paired with a large navy chevron and matching navy panels running along the shoulders and sides. Both shirts are available immediately for purchase through the club's official store.
FC Nantes 26-27 Octobre Rose Kit Released - First Pink Kit in Club History
Macron and FC Nantes have officially unveiled a special Octobre Rose kit for the 26-27 campaign, marking the first time in the club's history that Les Canaris will wear pink. Designed to raise awareness and support the fight against breast cancer during Pink October, the jersey will be worn in official competition by both the women's and men's first teams at the Stade de la Beaujoire throughout the month.
The Macron FC Nantes 26-27 Octobre Rose shirt is built around a soft pastel pink base decorated with a brushstroke pattern inspired by the deconstructed awareness ribbon in tonal shades. Deep burgundy trims accent the collar, cuffs, and monochrome branding, while a pink ribbon sits proudly on the chest between the Macron Hero and the embroidered club crest. On the back neck, eight embroidered pink ribbons replace the traditional stars that represent Nantes' eight French league championship titles.
Burgundy shorts and pastel pink socks with a burgundy turnover band complete the full kit. In support of the initiative, 50% of the profits from shirt sales will be donated directly to local charities Madame S and Ma Parenthèse, along with the FC Nantes endowment fund.
