Streetwear and crop tops take World Cup fashion to new heights
World Cup Fashion Trends
The release of new jerseys during the World Cup has always been a highly anticipated moment for fans. This year, however, Adidas and Nike have taken a bold step forward, introducing more streetwear-inspired designs compared to the classic football attire of past tournaments. These collections blend iconic football styles with urban fashion elements, reflecting the sport’s growing influence on global pop culture.
Adidas and Nike’s Creative Approaches
Nike has unveiled its World Cup home kits through a cinematic short film, showcasing stars like Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba in everyday looks paired with cargo pants and sneakers. Adidas, meanwhile, has gone even further by presenting its away shirts in Los Angeles, featuring models styled in flared trousers and distressed denim. According to Adidas’ global manager, the initiative aims to help fans envision how they can incorporate the kits into their personal fashion.
“The worlds of streetwear, music, and culture have always intersected in football as a universal passion,” notes Sam Handy. “It took several seasons for this convergence to become widely recognized.”
Streetwear’s roots trace back to the UK’s casual subculture of the 1970s, where fans opted for relaxed styles over traditional team colors. Brands such as Fila and Lacoste introduced casual pieces like denim jackets and flared trousers, which later gained mainstream popularity. This year, Adidas has embraced the trend with its £80 Britcore Jersey, styled as a 90s-inspired piece ideal for layering or making a statement at events.
Football’s Fashion Evolution
Meanwhile, Nike has launched a Jordan and Brazil collaboration, featuring a £79.99 “old-school jersey” goalkeeper top. The brand describes it as a sporty design reimagined for urban settings. The 2026 World Cup, set in the US, Mexico, and Canada from 11 June to 19 July, has seen brands blur the lines between sportswear and streetwear. Adidas first introduced cropped jerseys in 2025 for clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid, creating a new favorite among female fans.
“I’ve noticed fans often alter jerseys to suit their preferences,” explains Handy. “This suggests a shift in how people engage with the sport through personal style.”
For 22-year-old Ellie-Ann Prendergast, the act of styling herself for matches has deepened her connection to Liverpool. “Putting together outfits for games makes me appreciate the team more,” she shares. The trend also reflects a broader acceptance of fashion in football, with players increasingly seen as style icons. As a new fan, Prendergast feels welcomed into the community, describing it as a “family” where individual expression is valued.
From NBA to Football: A Fashion Shift
The integration of streetwear into sports fashion is not new. The NBA once enforced a “business casual” dress code, aiming to limit urban styles in favor of more formal looks. Players would employ stylists to creatively navigate these rules, blending personal flair with team identity. Today, footballers like Kylian Mbappé and Marcus Rashford have followed suit, attending Paris Fashion Week to showcase their off-field style.
“Footballers have a unique platform to express themselves through fashion,” says Tiannah Pedler, a British content creator. “Those who embrace this can build a strong personal brand.”
France has long been a hotbed for fashion-forward football, with players frequently sporting bold outfits that trend on social media. This year’s World Cup collections, particularly from North America, highlight the sport’s evolving relationship with style, influenced by the trendsetting nature of basketball and American football leagues like the NBA and NFL. The shift marks a significant cultural milestone in football’s history.
