2026 is a big year for soccer, and excitement is already building across the United States. Last Tuesday evening, on March 31, soccer fans flocked to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where the US Men’s National Team played a friendly match against Portugal, one of the world’s highest-ranked teams. 

Aside from giving a glimpse into future roster spots, the game also gave fans a first look at Nike’s 2026 federation collections, which come with the slogan “Wild Cards”. The crowd in Atlanta was a sea of red, white and blue stripes, as fans put their flags in the air and donned the new USA jersey (which quite literally looks like a waving flag). Transcending mere functionality, all of the Nike team kits find their inspiration in each federation’s heritage. Both the home and away kits are rooted in their team’s identity, acting as symbols of the cultures they represent. 

Of course, as sportswear for the soccer world’s most iconic matches, functionality is a part of the game, too. Included in Nike’s team kits is the brand’s Aero-Fit performance cooling technology, which is designed to help athletes stay cool amidst this summer’s heated games. Additionally, the kits’ graphic elements are engineered into the fabric rather than placed on top, making sure the airflow is consistent. 

This year’s kits, along with the accompanying training collections, also mark an impressive sustainability milestone for Nike: they’re the first collections to be made from 100 per cent textile waste, accomplished through a chemical recycling process that transforms discarded material. 

With the official tournament still on the horizon, there will be many more chances to spot the kits this summer. And while Portugal may have claimed victory during the recent friendly match in Atlanta, it’s clear that the World Cup’s most exciting moments are yet to come.