PUMA have recently revealed their full line-up of kits for the 2026 World Cup. But do their designs deserve more love than they’ve been getting?
The 2026 World Cup is set to be dominated by the three big brands: Nike, Adidas and PUMA. Of the 36 nations already qualified, adidas lead with 13, Nike follow with 11 and PUMA sit just behind with 10 (Marathon and Saeta make up the numbers with one a piece for anyone that’s curious).
In the build-up, adidas and Nike have made most of the noise – adidas dropping full collections in big, headline‑grabbing waves, Nike drip feeding theirs slowly to keep attention ticking over. Meanwhile, PUMA have been working quietly in the background. Their releases haven’t had the same spectacle attached to them, but a recent event in New York highlighted just how much thought and personality has gone into their work. With everything now revealed, it’s worth asking: have PUMA’s kits been a little overlooked?
Ask people which kit they love most for 2026 and, patriotism aside, many will lean toward adidas’ work for Argentina, Germany, Japan or Mexico, or Nike’s bold efforts for Brazil, France and even Norway. PUMA doesn’t get shouted about in quite the same way — and to be fair, their international kits over the past few years haven’t always hit the mark. But this year feels different. As a full collection, there’s a real sense that PUMA have found their voice.
They’ve now unveiled every kit for their 2026 teams, and the theme across the board is clear: vivid, characterful designs rooted in each nation’s culture.
Portugal is undoubtedly the brand's marquee federation. For their first major tournament together, PUMA have delivered two genuinely strong kits. The home shirt, released late last year, leans into tradition but still feels modern and sharp. The away shirt ramps things up, built around the concept of “Connecting Heroes,” a nod to how national-team players become icons that link supporters around the world.
Austria and Switzerland also get confident, well‑balanced designs, and the Czech Republic’s kits – particularly their away – are good enough that you’d hope they make it through the playoffs. It would be a shame not to see that one under the lights at a World Cup.
Outside Europe is where PUMA really hit their stride. Half of their federations are African nations (Senegal, Morocco, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Egypt), and you can feel that influence throughout the collection. Each shirt channels the energy, colour and cultural richness of its country.
From Egypt and Morocco’s subtle and understated designs (the collar and cuffs doing a lot of the work on the latter’s home shirt) to Ghana, Ivory Coast and Senegal, whose designs lean into bold graphics and vibrant palettes. Across all of them, the “story” is tangible without being heavy‑handed.
Further examples of this approach can be seen throughout the jerseys for other nations. Paraguay have a meaningful tweak to their home shirt, while their away shirt is a real departure from tradition, introducing a striking and modern design that’s a massive visual contrast to the classic, dusty red and white stripes of the home kit.
Meanwhile, New Zealand don’t stray far from tradition for both the home and away options, but both are elevated in execution through really smart sublimated detailing.
20 kits definitely heading to the World Cup with more hoping to make it, all designed with an attention to the nations in question. As individual shirts, they are beautifully bespoke and a testament to the brand. As a collection? I’d argue that it more than holds its own against Nike and adidas.
Shop 2026 World Cup replica at prodirectsport.com/soccer
