Germany’s leaked 2026 World Cup home kit pays homage to 1990 classic

Images purporting to show Germany’s home kit for the 2026 World Cup have surfaced online, with the design appearing to draw heavily on the shirt worn by West Germany when they were crowned world champions in 1990.

According to 90min, which cited pictures shared by Footy Headlines, adidas have opted for a retro-inspired approach for Die Mannschaft’s latest strip. The images have since circulated widely among fans on social media, including a post shared by the account @iMiaSanMia.

A nod to 1990

The leaked shirt keeps the traditional white base associated with Germany’s home kits, complemented by black adidas shoulder stripes and red-and-black trim on the cuffs. The most eye-catching element, however, is a diagonal black, red and yellow motif that sweeps in from each shoulder to meet in the centre of the chest, forming a distinctive V-shaped diamond pattern.

That design bears an unmistakable resemblance to the shirt West Germany wore en route to lifting the World Cup in Italy in 1990, though the earlier version featured the stripes positioned off-centre rather than meeting in the middle as they reportedly do on the new kit.

Four stars for four titles

Further details from the leaked design include four stars positioned above the DFB crest, each marked with the years of Germany’s World Cup successes: 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014. The kit is completed with black shorts and white socks, in keeping with the classic look fans will be familiar with.

Should the images prove accurate, the throwback design is likely to be well received among supporters, many of whom regard the 1990 shirt as one of the most iconic in the sport’s history.

Eyes on North America

Germany will be hoping to add a fifth star to their collection when the World Cup gets under way in North America next summer. The leaked kit, with its explicit tribute to the 1990 triumph, will only add to the sense of anticipation among fans looking for Die Mannschaft to rediscover that winning formula.

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