Nike’s new collection of 2026 World Cup kits arrived in late March to largely positive reactions. The US men’s national team received what many considered its most distinctive shirts in decades, while the designs for other federations, including France, England, Canada and Uruguay, were also widely praised.
But after players wore the kits for the first time during the latest international break, attention shifted to a detail that had not been part of the early conversation: a noticeable bulge along the shoulder seam on some of the new shirts.
The issue has drawn scrutiny from fans and observers who had initially focused on the overall design and performance technology of the new jerseys. Instead, discussion has turned to the strange seam, which stands out visually on several of the kits.
Nike says it is aware of the problem and is examining how to address it. The company has not said publicly what is causing the seam issue or when a fix might be introduced.
The kits remain a high-profile part of the build-up to the 2026 World Cup, and the early reaction suggests that even well-reviewed designs can face close inspection once they are seen in match conditions.
For now, the conversation around Nike’s latest shirts is being shaped as much by that shoulder detail as by the broader reception to the collection. What was first presented as a strong showing for the brand has now picked up an unexpected manufacturing question, one that Nike is said to be looking into.
