Why Brazil’s New 2026 World Cup Jersey Is Causing a Political Firestorm

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Apr 29, 2025 6:50 PM ET

Talk of the new jersey gained traction after images began circulating online. The source was Footy Headlines, a website known for accurately leaking football kits. Within a day, the story dominated sports coverage in Brazil, sparking strong reactions. Some fans criticized the idea, arguing red doesn’t represent the national team. Others pointed to historical and cultural links that could justify the change.

The proposed red design was reportedly inspired by Brazil’s early football history, particularly the kits worn between 1917 and 1919, including during the 1917 Copa América. The color red also holds deep cultural significance in Brazil. The country’s name comes from the Pau-Brasil tree, known for its vibrant red dye, which played a central role in Brazil’s colonial past.

Despite the speculation, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has denied the rumors. Brazil will stick with its traditional yellow and green kits for the 2026 World Cup as the first option, with Nike continuing to play a key role in preserving the team’s identity.

: Brazil 2026 World Cup Away Kit to Be Red + Jordan Logo: https://t.co/ZzYSsyR0Lg
— Footy Headlines (@Footy_Headlines) April 28, 2025

The red uniform sparked political discussions

The debate over the jersey extends beyond sports. In recent years, Brazil’s yellow and green shirts have become politically charged, particularly due to their association with far-right movements. This has led some fans to distance themselves from the traditional colors, exploring more neutral or inclusive alternatives.

Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro, expressed shock on X (formerly Twitter) about the rumored change, rejecting the idea and hoping the information wasn’t true.

“I want to believe this isn’t true! The national team’s jersey has always been a symbol of our national identity, pride, and roots. It has always been green and yellow, the colors of our homeland. Our flag is not red and never will be. This change must be strongly rejected.”

The possibility of the Brazilian national football team wearing a red jersey for the 2026 World Cup has sparked outrage among Bolsonaro supporters. Many argue that the new uniform not only disrespects the traditional flag colors—blue, green, yellow, and white—but also links the national team to the left-wing party of current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Several other high-profile politicians from the far-right movement have also voiced their displeasure with the potential decision.

The red jersey rumor has the potential to further divide the country. With Brazil’s 2026 election year approaching, supporters of both parties may use the national team jersey to express allegiance to the colors associated with their respective political ideologies.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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