2026 World Cup will have special patch for stars and newcomers, says website

FIFA is preparing an unprecedented new feature for the 2026 World Cup uniforms. According to information released by the specialized website Footy Headlines, the players will have special commemorative patches applied to their shirts during the tournament played in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to official documents leaked by the portal, the so-called "FIFA Commemorative Patch" will be located on the right sleeve, just below the competition's main seal. The new feature, however, will not be used by all athletes from the participating teams.

Also according to Footy Headlines, the badge will only be reserved for specific groups of players. Among them are winners of the Ballon d'Or, the Golden Shoe and the Golden Glove in previous editions, as well as athletes who will compete in a World Cup for the first time.

The list of names mentioned in the leak brings together some of the main stars in world football. The Ballon d'Or winners include Ousmane Dembélé, Rodri, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Athletes who have received the Golden Boot at previous World Cups include Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and James Rodríguez.

Goalkeepers Emiliano Martínez and Thibaut Courtois, winners of the Golden Glove, must also wear the special patch during the competition.

Another notable group is that of World Cup debutants. The document mentions players such as Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, Florian Wirtz, Victor Osimhen and Endrick as possible athletes to receive the commemorative badge in 2026.

The leaked material also reveals another visual change for the tournament. World champion teams will use a gold version of the official World Cup badge. Countries without titles will continue with the traditional seal.

In addition, the left sleeve of the uniforms will feature rotating patches, which will change according to each phase of the competition.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first in history with 48 participating teams and will have matches played in three host countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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Source: CNN