The 2026 World Cup in five football shirts

The 2026 World Cup opens with a cultural emphasis on football shirts as symbols of heritage, igniting global interest. More than 80,000 fans filled Estadio Azteca for the opener, with 104 games planned across 16 cities in three countries and 48 teams competing. Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0, while stars such as Shakira, J Balvin, Burna Boy and Danny Ocean drew attention off the pitch. Classic Football Shirts (CFS), led by founders Doug and Matthew Dale, and now run by Gary Bierton from New York, sells vintage and official gear to 130 countries, including shops in Manchester and London, and an Empire State Building show of iconic shirts. England’s kit has become especially coveted as interest grows in national team garments.