England Unveil Traditional 2026 World Cup Kits, Return to Classic White and Red

According to BBC, the The Football Association has officially unveiled the home and away kits that the England national football team will wear at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The kits, designed by Nike, are a central part of a sponsorship deal between the two parties worth approximately £400 million. Unlike the controversial design from two years ago, the new home kit returns to a traditional all-white look, completely removing the previously criticized “multicoloured St George’s Cross” element.

Nike described the new home kit as a “modern all-white design that pays tribute to tradition.” Inside the collar, the words “Happy and Glorious” are printed, taken from the British national anthem God Save the King, symbolizing happiness and glory. In addition, a metallic gold star remains above the team crest, representing England’s historic triumph at the 1966 FIFA World Cup on home soil.

As for the away kit, England has also moved away from the purple scheme used since 2024 and reverted to the classic red. The new away kit features a centrally positioned crest paired with navy shorts, creating a clean and elegant overall style.

Both new kits will go on sale next Monday. The following Friday, England will face Uruguay national football team in a friendly at Wembley Stadium, where the players will debut the new home kit.

The decision by the FA and Nike to return to tradition is clearly aimed at avoiding past controversy. Previously, Nike had altered the St George’s Cross into a combination of navy, light blue, and purple, describing it as a “playful update,” but the move sparked strong backlash from British politicians and fans.