Streetwear and crop tops take World Cup fashion to new heights
Streetwear and Crop Tops Elevate World Cup Fashion Appeal
The unveiling of team jerseys is a highly anticipated event during each World Cup tournament. This year’s efforts by Adidas and Nike showcase a significant shift, incorporating more streetwear-inspired designs compared to the conventional football attire of shorts, socks, and boots. These collections blend retro football styles with modern streetwear elements, reflecting the sport’s cultural influence beyond the pitch.
A Shift in Football Fashion
Nike introduced its World Cup home kits through a cinematic short film featuring prominent players such as Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba, and Cole Palmer. The video showcased these athletes wearing their outfits with cargo pants, jeans, and sneakers, bridging the gap between sports and street style. Adidas took a more daring approach by launching its away shirts in Los Angeles, where models paired the kits with flared trousers, faded denim, and micro-shorts. According to Adidas’s global football manager, the initiative aims to inspire fans to integrate the designs into their daily wardrobes.
“I’ve long understood that streetwear, music, fashion, and culture intersect in football as a global passion,” says Sam Handy. “It took several seasons for this trend to gain widespread recognition.”
Streetwear’s roots trace back to the UK’s casual culture movement of the 1970s, which encouraged a relaxed, everyday aesthetic over traditional team uniforms. Brands like Adidas, Fila, and Lacoste popularized items such as denim jackets and flared trousers, which later transitioned into mainstream fashion. Adidas’s latest collection includes an £80 Britcore jersey, echoing 1990s designs suited for layering or standout weekend events.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, with matches scheduled across the US, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, brands are blurring the lines between sportswear and streetwear further. Adidas pioneered cropped shirts for European clubs in 2025, which are now being embraced by fans for their fresh, bold look. Sam Handy notes that this design was inspired by fans altering jerseys to fit their preferences.
The Role of Fashion in Fan Engagement
For 22-year-old Ellie-Ann Prendergast, the act of styling for matches has deepened her connection to Liverpool. “Dressing up for games makes me appreciate the experience more,” she explains. Prendergast, who is passionate about outfit curation, sees these efforts as a way to welcome new fans into the community. “I feel like I’ve been accepted instantly into the fanbase because it feels so inclusive,” she adds.
“Footballers have always looked up to basketball players for their fashion flair,” observes Tiannah Pedler, a British football content creator. “Fashion is one of the few avenues where they can express their individuality.”
With strong ties to the trendsetting NBA and NFL, it’s fitting that streetwear elements now dominate the World Cup’s North American kits. However, this integration is a recent development. In 2005, the NBA enforced a dress code requiring players to dress “business casual,” aiming to limit streetwear’s presence. Players then hired stylists to creatively circumvent the rule while displaying their personal style.
France’s footballers have long been recognized for their fashion-forward choices, often sparking viral moments. Back in 2018, streetwear became a notable part of the sport, as seen in club Paris S’s bold styling. Today, stars like Kylian Mbappé, Marcus Rashford, and Jude Bellingham regularly attend Paris Fashion Week, highlighting the growing overlap between football and high fashion.
