A highly anticipated World Cup warm-up friendly between the United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium turned into a visual headache for fans this Saturday. Despite international regulations requiring distinct kits, both teams took the field in colors that were nearly indistinguishable from the stands and on television.
The Kit Conflict
The confusion stemmed from the specific choices made by both federations for the fixture:
- USMNT: Debuted their new summer World Cup kit, featuring wavy red and white stripes with significant white space on the back.
- Belgium: Opted for their new away jersey—a pale sky blue design featuring pink patterns and black details.
While the players were spread across the pitch, the “blur” was manageable, but fans reported that set pieces and crowded penalty area scrambles made it nearly impossible to tell the teams apart. Many viewers took to social media to express frustration, with some fans in the stadium noting they had to rely on the color of the players’ shorts (Blue for the US, White for Belgium) to identify the teams.
Regulation and Oversight
According to IFAB Law 4, competing teams must wear colors that distinguish them from each other and the match officials.
- Referee Role: The officiating team from Uruguay, led by Esteban Ostojich, ultimately allows the kit selection. Surprisingly, no changes were made during the first-half hydration break despite the clear visual clash.
- Missed Alternatives: Belgium could have worn their traditional red home kit, or the USMNT could have utilized their deep navy blue away jersey to provide the necessary contrast.
The U.S. Soccer Federation has been reached for comment regarding the kit selection process for this match, which was broadcast nationally on TNT and HBO Max.