Streetwear and crop tops take World Cup fashion to new heights
Streetwear and crop tops take World Cup fashion to new heights
The unveiling of new kits during the World Cup is always a highly anticipated event. This year, both Adidas and Nike have introduced collections that diverge significantly from earlier competitions, emphasizing streetwear aesthetics over traditional uniforms like shorts, socks, and boots. These designs reflect the growing influence of football culture beyond the pitch, blending vintage elements with modern street style.
Brands Reimagine Football Kits for the Streets
Nike recently showcased its World Cup home jerseys through a cinematic short film featuring star players such as Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba, and Cole Palmer. The video depicted them wearing the kits paired with cargo pants, jeans, and sneakers, highlighting a casual, everyday approach to football fashion. Adidas took this concept further by presenting its away shirts in Los Angeles, where models wore the kits with flared trousers, distressed denim, and micro-shorts. As Adidas’ global manager for football, Sam Handy, explains, this strategy is meant to “help fans incorporate the kits into their personal style.”
Handy notes that “for a while, the worlds of streetwear, music, fashion, and culture have come together in football as a global shared passion.” He adds that it’s only in recent seasons that this fusion has gained widespread recognition. Streetwear originated in the UK’s casual subculture of the 1970s, where fans opted for more relaxed looks over full team colors. Styles like polo shirts, denim jackets, and flared trousers from brands such as Adidas, Fila, and Lacoste became staples for players, eventually transcending the sport and entering mainstream fashion.
Adidas has drawn on this heritage with its £80 Britcore Jersey, which evokes a 1990s aesthetic ideal for “layering” or “making a statement at a weekend gathering.” Similarly, Nike has partnered with Jordan and Brazil to release a “retro jersey” goalkeeper top, described as “sporty designs reimagined for urban settings” at £79.99. These efforts underscore the shift toward fashion-forward, versatile kits that appeal to a broader audience.
Crop Tops Signal a New Era in Football Fashion
For the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the US, Mexico, and Canada from 11 June to 19 July, some brands have expanded this trend by introducing cropped versions of their shirts. First seen with Adidas in 2025 for clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid, these short-sleeved designs have been marketed as “more engaging for female fans.” According to Handy, the idea stemmed from observing “many fans customizing jerseys by cutting and resewing them for a better fit.” She adds that “those who don’t embrace this shift are missing out on a chance to connect with half the population through football.”
Ellie-Ann Prendergast, a 22-year-old Liverpool fan, has found her passion for the team deepened by styling herself for matches. “Designing outfits for games has made me appreciate the sport more,” she says. Prendergast, who is “obsessed” with following the latest kits and fan fashion, feels that these efforts foster a sense of belonging in the football community. “As a new fan, I’ve felt welcomed into the group because they feel like a family,” she comments.
Fashion’s Role in Athlete Identity
With its strong connection to trendsetting leagues like the NBA and NFL, it’s fitting that streetwear styles now dominate North American World Cup collections. However, this integration hasn’t always been seamless. In 2005, the NBA imposed a dress code requiring players to wear “business casual” attire during games, aiming to exclude streetwear. Athletes then employed stylists to creatively navigate these rules, blending personal expression with league standards.
Tiannah Pedler, a British football content creator, highlights that many current players grew up admiring basketball stars. “Fashion is one of the few ways footballers can display their individuality,” she states. This is evident in figures like David Beckham, who popularized this trend in the early 2000s. More recently, players such as Kylian Mbappé, Marcus Rashford, and Jude Bellingham have made headlines by attending Paris Fashion Week events. In France, fans have long celebrated this trend, with bold outfits frequently becoming viral sensations.
A Cultural Shift in Football Style
Paris Saint-Germain, for instance, has consistently pushed boundaries by incorporating streetwear into its match-day appearances. This evolution reflects a broader cultural shift, where football is no longer just a sport but a platform for self-expression. As the 2026 tournament approaches, the fusion of streetwear and sportswear continues to redefine how fans engage with the game—both on and off the field.
