Why Curaçao’s celebrated World Cup shirt may never be worn

Curaçao’s much-praised away kit has become one of the most talked-about shirts ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but it may never appear on the pitch. Although fans, collectors and fashion accounts hailed the yellow design as one of the tournament’s best-looking jerseys, FIFA’s official kit document says Curaçao will not use it at all in the group stage.

The reason is FIFA’s strict color-clash rules, combined with an unusually favorable draw. Curaçao, which is set for its first-ever World Cup appearance after a strong qualifying campaign, was drawn against Ecuador, Germany and Ivory Coast. Because those opponents’ colors do not clash with Curaçao’s dark blue home kit, FIFA determined there is no need for the team to switch to the away strip.

Adidas designed the shirt with a pastel yellow base and orange, pink and turquoise details inspired by the colorful streets and sunsets of Willemstad, Curaçao’s capital. The look also pays tribute to the Punda and Otrobanda districts, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for their brightly painted buildings. The use of Adidas’s Trefoil logo, returning to the World Cup after 36 years, added to the shirt’s retro appeal.

The same situation affects other teams too. Japan will keep its traditional blue kit against Tunisia, Sweden and the Netherlands, and South Africa will not need its green away shirt against Mexico, the Czech Republic and Japan. There is still a chance Curaçao could wear the away kit in the knockout rounds if a color clash forces a change, but for now the headline jersey is likely to stay mostly on social media rather than on the field.