The Truth Behind Adidas' New 2026 World Cup 3 Stripes Design

2 hours ago

by Chris

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FIFA Rule: FIFA's Manufacturer Identifier (MI) rule mandates that the total width of manufacturer branding, like Adidas' 3 stripes, must not exceed 8cm.
Adidas Design Solution: To make the stripes appear larger for the 2026 World Cup, Adidas widened each individual stripe and reduced the spaces between them, keeping the overall width within the 8cm limit.
Impact of Regulations: FIFA's equipment rules directly influence kit designs, forcing manufacturers like Adidas to innovate within strict parameters.

For the 2026 World Cup, Adidas will introduce new, bigger 3 stripes. However, the overall size of the new 3 stripes trademark is actually the same as before - let's find out why.

FIFA Manufacturer Identifier (MI) Rule - Maximum Width of Manufacturer Bang Must Maintain Width of 8 cm

Adidas could not increase both the width of the bars and the space between - it would have covered more than 8cm

The rule states that an MI Band (Manufacturer Identifier Band) - like Adidas' three stripes - must maintain a total width of 8cm. As a result, Adidas' design evolution for 2026 had to work within this constraint.

The traditional 3 stripes already have a total width of 8cm. See below the 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, but harder to recognize as 3 stripes from afar

Of course, we do not know if Adidas would have done this regardless of the FIFA 8cm rule. However, everything indicates that this has been the case.

This showcases how FIFA's equipment regulations directly influence even the most iconic elements of football kit design, with manufacturers like Adidas having to innovate within these established parameters.

Check out the full FIFA Equipment Regulations 2025 for all Manufacturer Identifier requirements. Designs such as giant three stripes, seen in the 1990s, are also forbidden nowadays.