Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
The rollout of Nike’s new World Cup soccer jerseys has been less than seamless.
The company’s designs, including Canada’s, were largely well-liked when they were released last month. But as teams have started played in them and fans have started buying them, a problem has reared its ugly … shoulder.
Footy Headlines, a website known for its early leaks of new soccer kit designs, explains the problem: “Because the seam connecting the sleeve to the torso is heavily reinforced and sits so high up on the collarbone, it refuses to drape naturally. Instead, it creates a stiff, protruding peak that looks exactly like a poorly fitted suit jacket.”
About a dozen of the 48 nations at the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be wearing Nike jerseys when the tournament kicks off in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico in June.
Not all of them looked bad during recent international matches. But Uruguay and France were among the more awkward. France’s Kylian Mbappé brought to mind the Romulans from Star Trek, who also wear green uniforms with questionable shoulders.
France forward Kylian Mbappé shoulders the load against Brazil in Foxborough, Mass., on March 26. (Frank Fife/AFP/Getty Images)
It doesn’t look any better on fans, who in Canada may pay north of $200 for the new gear, depending on the specific product.
A Canadian fan on the Soccer Jerseys subreddit was one of several people who have made online posts, some with photos, about the fit.
“The way the shoulders are sewn together just make them bunch like this no matter what,” they wrote. “I think they might work if your shoulders are narrow. I have wider shoulders and there’s just no way to not make this shoulder line not bunch.
“This is a stupid, stupid design. I was looking forward to getting this kit as well because the design looks nice but the execution is a joke. $135 Cdn for this.”
Many of the comments on the posts are incredulous about how this could have happened — and full of adult language.
Nike ‘working quickly to make this right’
Nike responded to the complaints in a statement to British newspaper The Guardian.
“During the recent international break, we observed a minor issue with our Nike national team kits, most noticeable around the shoulder seam,” a Guardian article states, citing a company spokesperson. “Performance is unaffected, but the overall aesthetic is not where it needs to be.”
The statement also said Nike is “working quickly to make this right for players and fans,” but did not specify how.
Kylian Mbappé’s shoulder in closeup. (Winslow Townson/Imagn Images/Reuters)
The good news for steamed soccer fans is that a little steam may be just what their jersey needs.
Gary Walker, an X user whose social media accounts are focused on soccer and kits, says using a steamer on three shirts he’s bought corrected the shoulders.
“Not something you’d expect to have to do with a new football shirt, but a little steam through the shoulder area sorts it completely,” he posted on X, adding that he hopes Nike will let people know before the matches begin.