World Cup's best-dressed squads ranked, from DRC's viral leopard print to bespoke Hermès – and England aren't high on the list

As Canada, Mexico and the United States welcome the world’s most vibrant football fans, we’re already noticing an emerging theme across this year’s sportsmen: their fashions.

Sportswear giants Nike, Adidas and Puma have designed 37 kits between them for this year’s tournament, but it’s the outfits off the pitch that are causing most of the conversation.

Fashion has always played a huge role in the image of what it means to be a ‘football star’. From David Beckham at the peak of his career with his shaved head and gold chain, or his striking underwear campaigns for Emporio Armani in the late 2000s, to Marcus Rashford modelling for British heritage brand Burberry, the titans of the game have created a name for themselves (and the sport) outside of the 90 minutes by associating football firmly with luxury.

It’s trickled down into the high-street too, with the ‘blokecore’ trend of the past two years resulting in football T-shirts, scarves and even shoes making their way into our wardrobes in a deeply unironic way. Whether it’s the success of England’s Lionesses or simply ‘World Cup fever’, it’s clear that football’s impact on the nation’s style is potent and here to stay.

And this year’s players haven’t let the side down. The pageantry of the big reveal of what each player or squad was sporting as they touched down across the US, Canada and Mexico has had social media alight since before the tournament began.

From leopard print motifs off the pitch, to painstakingly structured garments designed to represent each team’s homeland (some better than others), here is a run-down of the top 10 most fashionable squads from this year’s FIFA World Cup – ranked from worst to best.

10) Marking a quarter of a century of style

Not only do Japan have one of the chicest kits of the tournament, they are also celebrating their collaboration with British brand Dunhill – who they have worn for over 25 years across successive World Cup tournaments. The British brand – known for its soft and elegant ‘gentleman’ style – opted for a simplistic blue three-piece suit for the Japanese team led by captain Ko Itakura.

Are we impressed? Perhaps – but is that just because the bar for men’s style is often so low that anything that’s not a pair of dirty tracksuit bottoms and a vest top with Huel down the front is seen as stylish? Nice suits boys, but let’s add a bit of flair please. This is the World Cup after all.

9) It’s all about the luggage

Not only are the players making sure their first appearances on US soil are camera ready, they’re even making sure that the luggage they’re wheeling along with them matches their carefully selected sartorial choices. Trendy suitcase brand RIMOWA known for its sparsely decorated (and rather boring) luggage was seen being wheeled by defender Toni Rüdiger as he made his way to the Germany training ground.

However, this wasn’t just any case. It was emblazoned in stickers from sportswear brand Under Armour’s newest collaboration with luxury streetwear label 424, with the German player also sporting the two brands’ upcoming track pants and co-branded T-shirt. Yes, stickers! Like something you’d get taped to the front of Match of the Day magazine which is incredibly fashion forward!

424 also sent Rüdiger stocked up with the latest designs, most notably its bespoke leather jackets printed with the German national flag colours adorned on the sleeves, so that he can maintain his air of fashionable superiority the whole tournament.

8) Stars and stripes in action

As one of the home nations for this year’s tournament you’d think the United States Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) would have tried to make a splash with their kit – or even their non-pitch attire. However, despite the plethora of American fashion houses to choose from, the men’s national team have yet to debut any show-stopping Tommy Hilfiger looks or Ralph Lauren.

Instead they will appear in their red and white stripes that have cleverly been designed to appear ‘in motion’ across the players’ torsos, which slightly looks like you’ve clicked ‘randomise outfit’ when a character on The Sims. The waving flag appears to be rippling across them as if they are in fact draped in the Star-Spangled Banner, with many fans appearing in the 2026 kit at this year’s opening ceremony. Despite the fans flocking to wear this year’s design, it’s not sparked any excitement or joy for us unfortunately.

7) England’s adorable photoshoot

Of course, it’s only right that we include England in a round-up of the most fashionable stars at this year’s World Cup – however in the most quintessentially British way it appears that social media has turned their fashionable pre-event photoshoot into somewhat of a national meme. The release of England’s official 2026 World Cup portraits set the internet ablaze with adoration as well as a nice classic British ribbing.

Highlights included Anthony Gordon being compared to the late great Princess Diana. It has to be seen to be believed unfortunately – but we hope that our boys can provide some stronger fashionable offerings off the pitch to keep up with the looks on display from their competitors. The kits? Much to be desired, so it’s nice in a way that we are instead focused on their ‘poses’.

6) Spain’s debut into the luxury fashion world

Although Enrique Loewe Roessberg was German, Loewe was in fact founded in Madrid way back in 1846 by a leather-making collective, focusing on small, handcrafted accessories. Fast forward to 2026 and the brand is now dressing the Spanish national team for their first ever partnership. Not only did the Spanish house design the team’s tailored suits – they also designed polo shirts and a special edition of the brand’s famous Puzzle bag for the team to carry as they made their way to training.

Is it groundbreaking? Absolutely not. If anything, you’d expect more from a brand that has recently revamped its style and image to a new younger audience. However, it’s nice to see the boys at least looking uniform, even if it is slightly bland. We’re sure it’s the first time such a luxury item has had a dirty pair of socks and a pair of shinpads nestled in the bottom of it.

5) France’s bespoke Hermès

As one of the world’s most expensive fashion accessories – the Hermès bag isn’t just reserved for the G-Wagon driving divas of Calabasas. But maybe it should be. The French national team arrived in Boston with a myriad of designer handbags on offer, reminding us that exquisite French craftsmanship is also part of their nation’s history.

Is it a bit obvious and gauche? Absolutely. But forward Michael Olise – who was pictured with an oversized black Hermès Birkin bag alongside Marcus Thuram, who sported a Chanel x Pharrell flap bag in a striking lime green – did end up looking pretty chic still. Again, it’s clear that the teams are insistent on conveying an air of strength, luxury and untouchability as the tournament kicks off – in what could almost be described as ‘peacocking’ at this point.

4) Norway going back to their roots

In yet another luxurious attempt to continue associating football with high-end fashion, the Norwegian team decided to put their creative efforts out into the world even before they’d left for the tournament. Shot by photographer David Yarrow, the Norway squad – including star player Erling Haaland – were shot clad in battle-inspired clobber in front of a traditional Viking longship, signalling to their competitors that they’re ready to fight for their chance to make it through to the quarter finals.

Is it the most fashionable outfit in the world? Absolutely not – if anything you’d most likely see it in the fancy dress section of your local charity shop – but we’d like to give them props for at least adding a sense of humour to proceedings. This is the first time the Scandinavian nation has qualified for the FIFA World Cup since 1998, when the tournament was held in France.

3) Senegal continue tradition

Starting at the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal’s Lions of Teranga decided to continue their tradition of wearing a grey and green ensemble designed by Xakeb, a brand based in Dakar, to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tradition of wearing the custom culturally inspired look speaks to the team’s desire to not only be respected by their fellow nations – but of how much this tournament means to them and their country.

As one of Africa’s most successful national teams, they hope to beat their final position from the World Cup in 2022 where they reached the Round of 16. There’s something defiantly brilliant too about seeing countries proudly celebrating their national heritage amidst the United States travel bans.

2) Côte d’Ivoire shine on

Even before the teams have had the chance to put their football boots on – they’re ready for the photo opportunities as they step onto the tarmac. Landing in Philadelphia earlier this week in their sunset-inspired jackets, the Côte d’Ivoire team proved that it is in fact ‘always sunny’ in Philadelphia.

Designed by Ibrahim Fernandez, the orange tie-dye jackets also featured elephants embroidered on the back – similarly signalling strength and dominance, as well as including a nod to their home country they’re representing. A firm second place in the style rankings and a celebration of what the World Cup is actually all about.

1) DR Congo’s leopard print homage to home

This could be the best entrance to any football-related endeavour we’ve ever seen. As the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national team landed at this year’s tournament, they stepped off the plane in style. Often teams are seen bumbling through customs with their headphones on, sunglasses glued to their faces to hide the jetlag, enrobed in a comfortable tracksuit. But not here.

All members of the DR Congo team were seen wearing custom-tailored suits featuring bespoke motifs of animals representing their African heritage, designed by Congolese designer Alvin Junior Mak. From leopard print bags to custom cheetah brooches – the references to strength, power, national pride and the team’s ‘Leopards’ (Les Léopards) nickname clearly signal that they are here to fight for their spot in the initial group stages.

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