Exclusive: Adidas to Introduce Bigger 3 Stripes for 2026 World Cup
- New Stripe Design: Adidas will introduce wider stripes for its 2026 World Cup kits, a major design change to their iconic branding.
- FIFA Regulations: To comply with FIFA rules, the overall width of the three stripes will remain the same, achieved by widening each stripe and reducing spacing.
- Logo Usage: The new giant Adidas logo introduced in early 2024 will still be used, the 2026 away kit will use the Trefoil logo.
In a significant brand evolution, adidas is set to introduce a modified version of its iconic three stripes design for 2026. The new design features notably wider stripes compared to the current version, marking one of the most substantial changes to the company's signature branding element in recent years.
Adidas to Introduce Bigger 3 Stripes for 2026 World Cup
Currently, Adidas uses the traditional thin three-stripe pattern. In late 2025, for the launch of the first 2026 World Cup kits, Adidas will introduce significantly wider stripes while maintaining the classic three-stripe layout.
However, Adidas did not just increase the size of the whole layout. This would not be possible because of FIFA rules. The rule states that a MI (Manufacturer Identifier) mark - like Adidas' three stripes - must maintain a width of not more than 8cm. As a result, Adidas design evolution for 2026 had to work within this constraint. Adidas' solution:
- Keep the total width of the three stripes area identical (as required by FIFA)
- Make each individual stripe wider for more visual impact
- Reduce the spacing between stripes to compensate
- Result: More prominent stripes while complying with FIFA's width restriction
Remember that in early 2024, Adidas also introduced the new giant Adidas logo, which is still in use today. It remains to be seen if the larger 3 stripes remain a permanent feature - we do not think so.
The Adidas Trefoil 2026 World Cup away kits will come with the traditional three stripes.
Please be aware that final implementation will vary slightly from our early design previews.
What are your thoughts on Adidas increasing the size of its 3 Stripes? Let us know in the comments below.
