adidas Trefoil logo makes a World Cup comeback after 36 years

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Adidas has returned its iconic Trefoil logo to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 36 years, unveiling official away kits for 25 partner federations, including 13 nations that have qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Trefoil’s return marks a nod to the 1990s, the last era in which the logo appeared on World Cup kits. Each design blends retro aesthetics with modern performance features, featuring geometric patterns, stylised vertical lines, and colourways that celebrate the culture and heritage of each nation.

Standout designs include Argentina’s swirling blue motifs inspired by traditional art, Germany’s navy chevrons referencing decades of DFB history, Italy’s light blue suit-inspired pattern, Japan’s 12-colour stripe representing players and fans, Mexico’s Grecas architecture motif, and Spain’s pyrite pattern inspired by classic manuscripts.

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Beyond style, the jerseys are engineered for high-performance play. Body-mapped 3D mechanical stretch fabrics incorporate CLIMACOOL+ technology to wick sweat and keep players cool, while jacquard finishes allow freer movement. Three-stripe herringbone stitching improves ventilation, and shapeshifting lenticular logos add an innovative visual flair.

The kits were unveiled at a high-energy launch event in Los Angeles, transforming a standstill of cars into a street-style celebration of football culture with performances by Kaytranada and Baby Keem. The reveal highlighted how adidas bridges the gap between elite football, fan culture, and lifestyle expression.

"As we approach an immense World Cup, travelling across three incredible host nations, we felt it was a fitting and inspired moment to bring the trefoil back to the biggest stage in world football," said Sam Handy, GM Football at adidas.

"This is a defining era of football culture. Its style travels more walks of life and pockets of sub-culture than ever before, and the jersey is perhaps the truest representation of this. With that, these designs pay homage to each country, while offering all fans a catalogue of football designs that comfortably transcend the pitch and the stands," added Handy.

In addition to the away kits, adidas has released “LA PREPARACIÓN AMERICANA” ('The American preparation'), a short film following football stars as they explore unconventional ways to get ready for FIFA World Cup 2026.

The journey begins in Manhattan with American player Trinity Rodman at a busy newsstand, before moving to Germany, where Florian Wirtz trains under coach Julian Nagelsmann against ice hockey players and Mexican luchadores. Spanish forward Lamine Yamal tests his control atop a mechanical horse in a western-style saloon, while Lionel Messi lines up strikes at a US bowling alley, culminating in Mexico City with Edson Álvarez spiralling into action.

The film also highlights adidas’ long-standing 50-year partnership with FIFA, celebrating both the players and the tournament’s cultural impact.

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