After months of leaks and speculation, the United States has officially released its World Cup kit for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Tyler Adams, Sergino Dest, Antonee Robinson, Ricardo Pepi, and Brenden Aaronson of the men’s side were the primary models for the kit release by Nike, who also made the jerseys for Portugal, France, England, Brazil, and the Netherlands, among others. On the women’s side, Alex Morgan and Rose Lavelle were on hand to help display the new threads.
“Designed to inspire unity, symbolize diversity and celebrate Nike and U.S. Soccer’s commitment to expanding the game for the next generation on and off the pitch, the uniforms will be worn by both National Teams as part of the Federation’s belief in One Nation. One Team,” said U.S. Soccer and Nike in their official joint release. “Through a bold and vibrant reimagined design, the new USA uniforms serve as a symbol of pride for team and country, representing diversity and togetherness – values that unite the country.”
The Sporting News brings you all the details on this year’s jerseys for the USMNT in the 2022 World Cup, their first World Cup in eight years.
Nike released the USMNT’s home and away kits for the 2022 World Cup ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/juhK44HaJP
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) September 15, 2022
USMNT 2022 World Cup kit
2022 USMNT home kit
The home kit is all white with the USA crest front and center. It features a blue shape at the middle of the collar, blue and red stripes on the sleeves, and the nike check on the left sleeve.
It’s a simple design, one which at least garners a “clean” description, if nothing else. The socks are quite nice though, with a blue background, “USA” lettering, a red stripe above, and the nike check.
“The home uniform is anchored in a timeless red, white, and blue color scheme, while drawing inspiration from the United States’ diversity and storied legacy across a variety of sports, leagues, and associations,” added U.S. Soccer and Nike in their joint release. “The jersey features iconic uniform design cues found throughout American athletics to celebrate the U.S. Soccer Federation’s role as leaders in shaping – and uniting – sport culture throughout the nation.”
Football is Never Done. In fact, it’s just getting started. How will you kick-off your journey? Tap to gear up with national team home and away jerseys. https://t.co/S0awX6UkgI pic.twitter.com/XQXhIdAkI2
— Nike Football (@nikefootball) September 15, 2022
MORE: Projected USMNT roster & starting lineup for the 2022 World Cup
2022 USMNT away kit
The away kit for the United States at the 2022 World Cup is an attempt by Nike to make a bold design choice. They’ve gone with a tie-dye design which they’re calling “ice-dying,” along with the U.S. Soccer crest front and center like the home kit.
The socks for this one are all blue with no stripe, while the shorts are also all blue with a slight red triangle at the top and bottom of each side.
“The away uniform is built on a bold design that also celebrates diversity, youth, and unity,” said U.S. Soccer and Nike in their joint release. “Taking inspiration from design techniques found throughout the American fashion and streetwear industry, Nike’s design team employed a unique ice-dying technique to create a vibrant, youthful print that brings the jersey to life.”
Other USMNT & USWNT World Cup apparel
“To round out the 2022 Nike collection, the United States’ pre-match top – which features U.S. Soccer’s presenting partner, Volkswagen – is designed with a red, white and blue all-over ice-dyed print similar to the away jersey,” the statement continued. “The vibrant color and print symbolize the youthful energy and diversity of the nation, inspiring athletes to boldly represent their country and to have fun in the process.
“In addition, a robust lifestyle collection that extends the celebration of the USA’s national pride will release across Men’s, Women’s, and Kids. The collection includes select hoodies, sweats, tees, and socks that feature a combination of nods to the ice-dye and classic American sports culture. Additional tech fleece, jackets, pants and other styles are also available.”
Reaction to 2022 USMNT World Cup kit is overwhelmingly negative
The U.S. Soccer kit has been harshly criticized ever since it was leaked months ago.
Fans and even players have taken to social media to express their thoughts on the jerseys, with many exclaiming they look cheap, simple, and boring.
One need look no further than the comments section of the U.S. Soccer kit reveal on Instagram or Twitter. Normally, we’d advise to never read the comments, but in this case, they provide a handy overview of just how the 2022 USA World Cup kits are being received. In two words: not well.
The boys in uniform ⚪️ 🇺🇸
— U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) September 15, 2022
The negative backlash doesn’t stop there.
After being leaked on social media, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and Lille winger Timothy Weah were both caught on Instagram with negative comments. Both commented on posts by Instagram user @usmntonly, with McKennie saying “Tried to tell em” with a crying emoji, while Weah said “We just as angry as y’all!” with a shrug emoji.
Neither athletes are endorsed by Nike.
Tim Weah on the new USMNT kits 🥲 pic.twitter.com/e8WTxoEIcA
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) August 18, 2022
Yunus Musah was asked about the kit during a La Liga availability with ESPN. He tried to stay coy regarding his thoughts on the kit, but it was still clear how he felt.
On a La Liga presser with ESPN, Yunus Musah was just asked by the @AP what he thinks of the #USMNT kits for the World Cup.
He laughed and said, “I cannot say…the kits are…yea they are the kits that we have.”
😂😂😂😂
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) August 25, 2022
Yunus Musah, on a media call right now, says he’s seen and worn the USMNT World Cup kits (though doesn’t confirm that they’re the ones that have leaked).
Asked to rate them with a thumbs up or thumbs down, he says (with a smile, of course): “in the middle” pic.twitter.com/gBvKmOF6fs
— Henry Bushnell (@HenryBushnell) August 25, 2022
Finally, on the website Football Kit Archive, where kits are available to see and for fans to rate, the 2022 USMNT home kit has a 1.9 star rating (out of 5) out of over 200 votes, while the away kit has a putrid 1.7 stars with over 1,000 votes.