World Cup 2022: Fashion magazine ranks the greatest kits of all time

World Cup kits

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is rapidly approaching as national teams begin their preparations for the global showpiece.

This year’s carnival will look a little different as it is set to be hosted smack-bang in the middle of the club season, at the height of the European winter.

While that may mean the heady, sunshine days in pub beer gardens will not be possible, we still have a feast of football to look forward to.

Already the news is starting to be dominated by headlines regarding the World Cup and, with a few months to go, some of the kits have started to make an appearance.

Portugal’s split-in-two kit has left a lot to be desired while a leak of Mexico’s supposed strip shows they are going to be looking incredible at the World Cup.

But what are the best World Cup kits ever worn? Well, to answer that question, we thought we would go to the experts in the field, with fashion magazine Esquire picking the 11 greatest shirts back in 2018.

11. Denmark Goalkeeper, 1998

28 Jun 1998: Peter Schmeichel of Denmark celebrates during the World Cup second round match against Nigeria at the Stade de France in St Denis, France. Denmark won 4-1. \ Mandatory Credit: Clive Brunskill /Allsport

The Danes might not have had the tournament they were hoping for in France, but Peter Schmeichel looked an absolute treat in a banger of a goalkeeper kit.

10. England, 1982

MADRID, SPAIN – JULY 05: England player Trevor Francis (r) in action during the 1982 World Cup match between Spain and England at the Bernabeu stadium on July 5, 1982 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Allsport UK/Getty Images)

The tricolour nature of England’s ’82 strip makes it one of the Three Lions’ most uniques kits. Sadly, it could not inspire England to great heights, as they crashed out in the second round in Spain.

9. Germany, 1990

A true classic, Germany’s 1990 strip was always going to be included. The sweeping flag across the chest, the exaggerated logo and the understated collar all make for a superb piece of design.

8. Argentina, 1994

It’s hard to go wrong with the famous blue and white stripes of Argentina and, in truth, any number of their kits could have made the cut. Esquire went with their 1994 number and it’s hard to argue.

3 JUL 1994: OSCAR RUSSERI OF ARGENTINA IN ACTION DURING THE 1994 WORLD CUP MATCH ROMANIA V ARGENTINA AT THE ROSE BOWL IN PASADENA, CALIFORNIA. Mandatory Credit: Chris Cole/ALLSPORT

7. Croatia, 1998

Another nation that has regularly given us some truly superb kits. The 1998 vintage, with its 3D print, looked particularly special as the Croatians finished third in France.

26 Jun 1998: A team photo of the Croatian team before their match against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup played in Bordeaux, France. \ Mandatory Credit: Mark Thompson /Allsport

6. Cameroon, 2002

This was always going to be a controversial pick but, sometimes, controversy sells. Eyebrows were raised when Cameroon saw fit to bin their sleeves completely, but it made for one of the most iconic kits in history.

NIIGATA – JUNE 1: Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon in action during the Group E match against the Republic of Ireland of the World Cup Group stage played at the Niigtata Prefectual Stadium, Niigata, Japan on June 1, 2002. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

5. Mexico, 1994

This list simply wouldn’t be complete without a Mexican contribution. The 1994 design, complete with lovely collar and subtle red strips, really was a work of art.

4. France, 1998

On the backs of the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry, the French shirt of 1998 quickly became truly iconic as the hosts romped to global glory in Paris.

18 Jun 1998: The France team line up before the World Cup group C game against Saudi Arabia at the Stade de France in St Denis. France won 4-0. \ Mandatory Credit: Allsport UK /Allsport

3. Nigeria 1994

NIgeria’s epic 2018 kit must have been in contention but it is again hard to argue with the call to go for their ’94 strip instead.

25 Jun 1994: Finidi George of Nigeria in action during the World Cup match against Argentina at the Foxboro Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Argentina won the match 2-1. \ Mandatory Credit: Chris Cole/Allsport

Everything from the collar to the splash of black and white designs around it is simply brilliant.

2. Soviet Union, 1990

Just look at it! A true work of genius was given to us when the Soviet Union turned up in 1990. The brick red colour shirt brushed with white is just absolutely gorgeous and well-deserving of it’s lofty status in this list.

Unfortunately, and almost criminally, it was never used at the tournament.

1. Brazil, 2002

Foot : 1/2 Final Brazil – Turkey, World Cup 2002 /Joie, Ronaldo, Vreugde, Celebration /Turquie, Turkije, Brazilie, Bresil /Copyright Corbis, (Photo by Tim De Waele/Getty Images)

The Brazilian’s made light work of the World Cup in 2002 and looked good doing it.

Who could ever forget the site of Ronaldo Nazario tearing it up in this iconic yellow belter?

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