The USMNT's 2022 World Cup kits are indeed the leaked jerseys and fans were furious
Fans of the U.S. men’s national team have waited eight years to see the team take the field on the global stage. And when that time finally arrives this November in Qatar, the USMNT won’t exactly be looking the part at the World Cup.
Over the past few weeks, U.S. soccer fans have seen several leaked photos of the supposed World Cup kits hit social media, and the reaction was almost universally negative. The leaked design featured a centered crest, Nike logo on the sleeves. But really, the uniforms lacked in personality and identity. The design seemed rushed and lazy, which was disappointing for a U.S.-based company designing WORLD CUP jerseys for the U.S. men’s national team.
The jerseys were so bad that fans wanted to hold out hope that it was all a ruse, an act of misdirection to excite fans with the *real* kits. But unfortunately, that’s not how Nike and U.S. Soccer ever operate.
During a jersey unveiling event on Wednesday, media got an early look at the uniforms the USMNT would wear in Qatar — including similar USWNT kits for 2022. And to everyone’s disappointment, the kits were indeed what had been leaked already on social media.
To make matters worse, the unveiling happened just a couple days after rival Mexico and the rest of the Adidas-sponsored nations showed off a phenomenal collection of World Cup jerseys.
At some point, we should hear exactly why Nike and the USSF went in this design direction, especially after player feedback was negative. But there’s no avoiding it now: the USMNT is going to have some of the worst jerseys at the World Cup. Only Puma saved them from the definitive “worst” title.
As expected, fans were not pleased with the news.