The 2026 World Cup may not kick off until Thursday, but the fashion tournament has already begun. Teams arriving at training camps across the US are competing on a different kind of field: style.
From France’s catwalk-ready looks to the Netherlands’ bold streetwear, here are the teams and players already winning the style games.
France: The Catwalk Contenders
The French team’s training camp in Clairefontaine became something of a catwalk this week thanks to players such as Jules Koundé and Kylian Mbappé. While they now have to wear their regulation training kits most of the time, there are still details to note. The Nike Air Max Plus sneakers — a current favorite with twenty-somethings — ensure Les Bleus make their mark, even in uniform.
Netherlands: Streetwear Royalty
It makes sense that the Dutch streetwear brand Patta would work with the Dutch team at the World Cup. The bold orange and black prints featuring lions and chains — shades of 80s Versace — have already been worn by team captain Virgil van Dijk on the cover of Fantastic Man magazine and during a pre-tournament friendly against Algeria.
United States: Boss and Players in Sync
As manager of the US team, Mauricio Pochettino regularly wears a relaxed-fit suit with an open jacket and jersey underneath. When the US players were revealed for this tournament, they were dressed in a similar manner — a clever mirroring that signals the synergy between boss and players, and flashes forward to their potential post-playing careers as managers themselves.
England: Jude Bellingham’s Pristine Approach
Jude Bellingham has never been the kind of guy to take huge fashion risks. But, like his Real Madrid teammate Mbappé, he always looks pristine. While other England players arrived in slightly crumpled sportswear or the regulation tracksuit, Bellingham turned up in tasteful beige co-ords and made sleeveless knits seem like a viable option in near 30-degree heat.
Spain: Loewe’s Fashion Pedigree
The Spanish brand Loewe has the kind of fashion pedigree usually reserved for catwalk shows. Now it is working with the national team on suits. The designs — worn by players including Nico Williams and Pedri — are distinctly more fashion-forward than most footballers’ suits, featuring wide trousers and one-button jackets.
Germany: The Dad-on-Tour Look
Germany’s plane outfits were varied but all variations on a theme: slacks, chinos, tasteful knits, and fresh white tees, all in a palette of navy, beige, and white. The dad-on-tour look is simple, approachable, and wearable — clothing equally at home at the school gates or a weekend barbecue.
Japan: Traditional Meets Western
When departing Japan for the World Cup, the Samurai Blue wore pristine suits with slightly asymmetrical waistcoats. The standout player was defender Yuto Nagatomo, who added a traditional hachimaki headband to symbolize fighting spirit. A different mood arrived when they reached Monterrey, Mexico — where the governor handed the team cowboy hats.
Could Have Been a Contender: Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai
Although Hungary failed to qualify for the World Cup, Liverpool fans know Szoboszlai’s ability to change games on the pitch. His arrival at Hungary’s recent training camp in white just-below-the-knee culottes had a similar effect off it. GQ style editor Mahalia Chang describes his look as “a high-risk, high-reward kind of outfit.” Hermès bag aside, it has more in common with the looks found in east London than on most footballers — and has already spawned memes to that effect.
The Bigger Picture
Since the last tournament in 2022, fashion’s influence on football has skyrocketed. Brands are working with players and clubs. The personal style of players influences what young men wear, often thanks to carousels of images on Instagram and the outfits photographed when they arrive at training.
“Fashion has been given a currency that it hasn’t had before,” says Mahalia Chang, style editor of GQ. “We’re seeing more of the players and, unconsciously or not, we’re putting more weight on what they wear.”
The Bottom Line
The 2026 World Cup fashion tournament is already underway. France is bringing catwalk energy. Netherlands is repping streetwear royalty. The US is syncing boss and players. England’s Jude Bellingham is pristine as always. Spain is working with Loewe on fashion-forward suits. Germany is keeping it simple and wearable. Japan is blending tradition with Western style. And Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai — despite his team not qualifying — is winning the internet with his bold culottes.
