Streetwear and crop tops take World Cup fashion to new heights
Streetwear and crop tops take World Cup fashion to new heights
Every World Cup opens with the highly anticipated unveiling of new jerseys, and this year’s releases from Adidas and Nike signal a bold evolution in design. Unlike past iterations that leaned heavily on traditional football attire, such as matching shorts, socks, and boots, the latest collections emphasize streetwear aesthetics, blending heritage with modern flair. This shift reflects the growing influence of football culture beyond the pitch, as brands incorporate elements that resonate with everyday fashion trends.
Collaborations and celebrity influence
Nike introduced its World Cup home shirts through a cinematic campaign, featuring prominent players like Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba alongside models in cargo pants and sneakers. Adidas, however, took an even more experimental route by launching its away shirts in Los Angeles, where models showcased the kits paired with flared trousers and distressed denim. “It’s about helping fans imagine how to integrate these designs into their daily lives,” explained Adidas’ global football manager.
“The worlds of streetwear, music, fashion, and culture converge in football as a universal shared passion across the globe,” noted Sam Handy, highlighting the sport’s role in bridging subcultures.
Streetwear’s roots trace back to the UK’s casuals subculture of the 1970s, which popularized everyday looks over full team kits. Brands like Fila and Lacoste once dominated this trend, offering polo shirts and denim jackets that became staples among fans. These styles later transcended football, gaining mainstream appeal and inspiring contemporary collections.
Breaking boundaries with cropped designs
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, with matches scheduled between June 11 and July 19 across the US, Mexico, and Canada, brands are blurring the line between sportswear and streetwear. Adidas pioneered this trend with its cropped jerseys, first introduced in 2025 for clubs such as Liverpool and Real Madrid. The design, which allows for a more dynamic fit, has been praised for its appeal to female fans and its versatility beyond the stadium.
According to Sam Handy, the idea of fans customizing jerseys by cutting and resewing them has driven this innovation. “The future of football is women, and those who ignore their fashion preferences are missing out on expanding the sport’s reach,” he emphasized. This approach has also deepened the connection between fans and the game, as seen in Ellie-Ann Prendergast’s experience with Liverpool. “Styling myself for matches has made me appreciate the team more,” she said, adding that fans now feel more included in the community through shared fashion choices.
Historical contrasts and modern parallels
The integration of streetwear into sports fashion isn’t new, but its prominence in football this year is unprecedented. In 2005, the NBA imposed a dress code to restrict streetwear, pushing players to hire stylists to subtly incorporate trends while adhering to rules. Today, footballers like Kylian Mbappé and Marcus Rashford have embraced fashion as a platform for self-expression, attending Paris Fashion Week and other events. This trend has been particularly evident in France, where players frequently showcase bold, unconventional outfits that trend on social media.
With strong ties to the US basketball and American football leagues, it’s fitting that streetwear now shapes the North American World Cup kit collections. While the NBA once sought to limit such styles, football has since become a fertile ground for experimentation, allowing athletes to blend sport and style in ways that reflect their personal identities.
