- Aussies drawn in a tough group for tournament starting in June
Tony Popovic’s Socceroos have a problem ahead of the World Cup, with Nike launching an investigation before a ball is kicked in June.
The sportswear giant is looking into a design flaw surrounding the game-day kits set to be worn by several national teams – including Australia – later this year.
Bulging around the shoulder seams of jerseys was clearly visible during the recent international break, particularly on designs worn by the likes of England and France.
Nike also produces the kits of co-hosts Canada and the USA, as well as Turkey, Croatia, South Korea, Brazil, the Netherlands and Norway.
A spokesperson from Nike told the Guardian: ‘During the recent international break, we observed a minor issue with our Nike national team kits, most noticeable around the shoulder seam.
‘Performance is unaffected, but the overall aesthetic is not where it needs to be.’
Tony Popovic’s Socceroos have a problem ahead of the World Cup – and Nike has launched an investigation before a ball is kicked in June (pictured, Nestory Irankunda in action recently against Curacao)
The sportswear giant is looking into a design issue around the shoulder seams of the game-day kits set to be worn by several national teams – including Australia – later this year (pictured, midfielder Aiden O’Neill)
Eyebrows were raised by some football fans about the jersey design when England played Japan at Wembley (pictured, midfielder Cole Palmer)
With the World Cup – to be also hosted by Mexico – just 56 days away, some football fans are understandably concerned about purchasing Nike national team jerseys of questionable quality.
According to Ultra Football, Socceroos jerseys ahead of the 2026 World Cup retail for $190 online.
‘We always hold ourselves and our products to the highest standards and this fell short,’ the Nike spokesperson added.
‘We are working quickly to make this right for players and fans, because every kit should reflect the care, precision and pride that the game deserves.’
Nike has been making soccer kits since 1979, initially with Portland Timbers in the now-defunct North American Soccer League.
They entered the European market in 1983 when they partnered with Sunderland in England.
In 1994 they produced their first national team shirt, a Nigeria strip the African nation wore in a friendly against England.
Daily Mail has approached Nike for comment.
