While the International break sometimes feels like an unnecessary distraction from domestic action, what it does offer is a stage on which new shirts can shine, and this window has been no different, with senior teams across the globe able to don their new kit for the first time for competitive games.
So just to clarify straight off the bat, this is nothing to do with results. Instead, these are the best new shirts getting their first run out on pitch by the men’s senior teams. Some are special editions, likely to only be seen once, while others are long-awaited debuts, fallout from a lack of appearance at the World Cup. So with plenty of new partnerships on show, let’s get straight into it.
Japan Away
Starting with the one that we've been waiting for, the Japan away kit was originally released all the way back in August 2022, but it's only just had a run out by the men's senior team, featuring in their 1-2 loss to Colombia, having criminally not featured at the World Cup last year. Has to be said though: Why were the players wearing base layers under the short sleeve jersey when the long sleeve variation is so damned good??
Germany Away
Another beauty from adidas's World Cup repertoire that never got its moment to shine, thanks mainly to the lacklustre performance of the German team and the resultant early exit from the competition. Now though, it has finally had its five minutes of fame, albeit in yet another defeat, this time to Belgium. Oh well, you can't have it all Germany – just have to settle with comfortably being one of the best dressed sides in the international game.
Italy Home
Kicking off the partnership with adidas, the new home and away shirts are influenced by marble and the nation's use of the material. The kit has already been worn by the U21s, but the match against England in Naples represented the debut for the men's senior team, and adidas were quick to show it off throughout the city. The Azzurri weren't quite able to start their new era in the way they would've wanted, but probably good times ahead for this kit.
Jamaica Home
The second of three international federations to start a new partnership with adidas, the Jamaica home and away shirt came courtesy of a collaboration with British Fashion Label, Wales Bonner. The kit was debuted in the games against Trinidad & Tobago, and was worn in the Reggae Boys' 2-2 draw with Mexico.
Scotland Special Edition 150 Year Anniversary Home
Celebrating 150 years of existence, Scotland released a special anniversary shirt from adidas, featuring a simplistic design inspired by the kit worn by the Scotland team in their first ever international match in 1873 against England. It was worn in the emphatic 3-0 win over Cyprus in the Euro qualifier, and will be worn again by the Women’s National Team in their game against Costa Rica at Hampden Park on Tuesday, 11 April. It will then feature once more, when the men's team face England in the Anniversary Heritage friendly match at Hampden Park on Tuesday, 12 September.
Saudi Arabia Home
Completing the hat trick of nations starting life with adidas, and Saudi Arabia showed off their new home shirt – with a design inspired by the palm tree that resides at the centre of the nation's coat of arms – in their game against Venezuela. And yes, before any one points it out, the player featured here is Meshal Sibyani Khairallah and we know it was from the u21 match against Kuwait, but darned if we could find a decent picture from the Venezuela game!
Denmark Home
Denmark's new home shirt featured a proper throwback, with a design inspired by the shirt the nation wore when they defied the odds to win Euro '92. The Danes debuted the new kit in the 3-1 win against Finland.
Republic of Ireland Home
Another new partnership got underway just ahead of the international break, with Republic of Ireland commencing a new partnership with Castore. The traditional emerald green base of the shirt is joined by faint white and orange pinstripes in the body, completing the tricolour setup of the nation’s flag. The Irish wore it for the first time in their 3-2 friendly win over Latvia, and then again in their narrow defeat to France.
Shop all international kit at prodirectsport.com/soccer
