Japan and Tunisia Wear Commemorative Patches for World Cup's 1,000th Match
FIFA marked the 1,000th match in World Cup history by adding a special patch to the jerseys of Japan and Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup. The decision came even though the teams were not being honored for a sporting achievement, but for reaching a historic milestone in the tournament's overall history.
The match between Japan and Tunisia was the 1,000th ever played in World Cup competition. As in several other celebrations during the current tournament, FIFA chose to recognize the occasion directly on the teams' kits.
The gesture continues a World Cup filled with special uniform tributes. Earlier, Lionel Messi wore gold-accented kits, while Kylian Mbappe, Emi Martinez and James Rodriguez also had special patches on their uniforms.
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