As the debate over “football” and “soccer” continues in the United States, the NFL has turned the momentum surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup into a new commercial opportunity.
The league has teamed up with Fanatics and Nike to launch two collections inspired by soccer, bringing together the visual language of American football and the world’s most popular sport.
With the 2026 World Cup being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, soccer’s visibility in North America has reached an unprecedented level. The NFL has been quick to tap into the cultural and commercial momentum surrounding the tournament.
At the beginning of the World Cup, U.S. President Donald Trump reignited the long-running “football vs. soccer” debate by suggesting that the sport played around the world — rather than American football — should be considered the real football.
Instead of engaging in the debate, the NFL chose to turn it into a marketing opportunity.
NFL jerseys redesigned with a soccer aesthetic
The first collection was unveiled at Fanatics Fest in New York, where NFL team jerseys were redesigned with inspiration from soccer clubs and national teams.
The Kansas City Chiefs jersey, for example, features a red sash reminiscent of iconic designs worn by clubs such as River Plate and Rayo Vallecano, as well as Peru’s national team.
The Los Angeles Chargers design uses blue and white vertical stripes, immediately evoking the classic look of Argentina’s national team.
The collection’s promotional message — “It’s football… But not as we know it” — directly plays on the cultural differences between American football and soccer.
France, England and Australia also feature in the collection
The NFL and Fanatics also partnered with Nike to create a limited-edition collection inspired by the colors of national teams sponsored by the sportswear giant.
France, England and Australia were selected for the collection.
The jerseys retain the structure and design language of American football uniforms while incorporating the colors and crests associated with each national team.
The products are being sold online for a suggested retail price of $130.
A new commercial bridge between two sports
The NFL’s move is about more than simply creating a new jersey collection. It reflects the league’s efforts to capitalize on the growing visibility of soccer in the United States and connect with new audiences.
The World Cup has created a unique commercial environment in North America, bringing millions of international soccer fans into the NFL’s home market. By adopting soccer-inspired designs, the league is attempting to turn that attention into a new merchandising and fan-engagement opportunity.
Rather than viewing soccer’s growth as a threat, the NFL is increasingly treating it as a platform for collaboration.
The result is a new kind of sports marketing: one in which the NFL is not trying to win the “football vs. soccer” argument — but is instead selling both sides of the debate on the same jersey.