There is nothing quite like a World Cup year for football shirt obsessives. Fans and collectors always pour over every shirt reveal, but the 2022 World Cup in Qatar brought a fresh crop of future classics that captured terrace imagination and sparked fierce debate.
In diving deep into the coolest World Cup jerseys 2022, this guide breaks down why certain kits hit the sweet spot – blending culture, results, player moments, and those little design tweaks that tell a story. Whether you chase standout patterns like Argentina’s, love retro callbacks, or just want the shirt everyone is still talking about, read on.
Why Coolest World Cup Jerseys 2022 Still Matter
Every four years, the World Cup sets the bar for what is cool in football shirts. The 2022 tournament was unique: blazing heat, winter dates, surprise upsets, and group stage stunners. Kits became part of each nation’s loud identity on the biggest stage, carrying echoes of past glories or trailblazing new looks.
The best World Cup shirts are more than strips of cloth. They crystallise memories: a last minute winner, a dancing celebration, the underdog run everyone remembers. In 2022, some shirts built on national heritage, while others turned heads with modern edge. That is why debates about the coolest World Cup jerseys 2022 still bubble across forums and pub chats today.
Criteria for Selection
Picking the coolest World Cup shirts is not just about flashy colours or wild patterns. Here is what makes a shirt really stand out:
- Strong connection to on pitch moments or major players for country or club (think Messi, Mbappé, or Hakimi)
- Echoes of national footballing history or terrace style
- Eye catching creativity or clever callbacks to classic eras
- Shirts that quickly became sought after by supporters and collectors
- Worn in iconic matches with lasting impact
Top 2022 World Cup Kits: Shirts That Shaped the Tournament
Each of these kits earns its place for combining legacy, design, and undying fan love.
Argentina Home 2022
No kit had a bigger World Cup moment in recent memory than Argentina’s. Worn by Lionel Messi as he lifted the trophy in Doha on 18 December 2022, it immediately earned its legendary status.
- Why it matters:
Messi’s last dance for country, securing the third star, cemented this shirt in football lore. Any fan who saw that final, either in the stadium or at home, will never forget the image of Messi in blue and white stripes, gold medal and Cup in hand. - Key achievements:
2022 World Cup Champions, dramatic penalty shootout win over France (3 3 AET, 4 2 penalties), Messi netting twice in the final, and vital moments from Alvarez, Di María, and Martínez. - Cultural context:
Linked forever to Messi’s redemption, the stripes recalled Argentina’s nineties shirts but added new, brighter blue shades for the Qatar climate. The badge added gold touches after the win, so now even standard shirts symbolise a star added in real time. For fans, it is the shirt of a lifetime pure glory bound up in fabric, across generations. - Who will love it:
Messi acolytes, classic shirt collectors, anyone who loves World Cup history. - Sizing and care:
Order true to size, machine wash cold with colours to keep the stripes bright. - Provenance snapshot:
Manufacturer adidas
Sponsor none (national shirt)
Worn in Final, Argentina vs France, 18 December 2022
Japan Away 2022
Japan’s away strip delivered bold modernism with a splash of origami spirit. It quickly rose to cult status across social media and among neutral collectors alike.
- Why it matters:
The blocky geometric print nodded to origami and made waves for breaking the mould of traditional kits. Fans saw it as a sign of Japan’s creativity on and off the pitch. - Key achievements:
Japan’s pair of famous comeback wins in Qatar topping Group E by beating Spain (2 1, 1 December 2022) and Germany (2 1, 23 November 2022), shocking giants and thrilling fans across Europe and Asia. - Cultural context:
The design referenced traditional Japanese craftsmanship, but looked futuristic and ready for the new era. Chants of “Nippon!” rang out in Doha and fan zones back home as Samurai Blue announced themselves as true contenders. For style hunters on social media and Japanese expats nationwide, this shirt became a badge of pride. - Who will love it:
Streetwear fans, collectors who want something different, and anyone who followed the 2022 upsets. - Sizing and care:
Regular fit, handle with care due to the intricate graphics. - Provenance snapshot:
Manufacturer adidas
Sponsor none
Worn in historic comebacks v Germany and Spain, Group E, November and December 2022
Mexico Away 2022
A serious statement for El Tri, the Mexico away kit blended historic design with ambitious contemporary visuals.
- Why it matters:
Celebrates Mexico’s indigenous heritage and pre Colombian art, featuring swirling lines in crimson and cream. It felt both sacred and ultra modern. - Key achievements:
Worn through the group stage in tense clashes, including the emotional win against Saudi Arabia (2 1, 30 November 2022), though sadly not enough to advance. - Cultural context:
Mexican shirts are always global hits, but this one turned heads with artwork nodding to Aztec culture. It became a terrace darling in both Mexico and among global shirt obsessives, showing love for roots and craft. It also sparked fashion crossovers at music festivals and beyond. - Who will love it:
Supporters looking for a shirt with real depth and street heritage, perfect for rival nods and pub debate. - Sizing and care:
Runs slightly slimmer, especially in the shoulders – size up if unsure. - Provenance snapshot:
Manufacturer adidas
Sponsor none
Worn in Group C, including Mexico vs Saudi Arabia, 30 November 2022
Morocco Home 2022
Morocco’s deep red kit became a worldwide symbol of shocking runs and pure underdog joy.
- Why it matters:
Worn during Morocco’s historic march to become the first African side to reach the World Cup semi finals, making instant legends out of Hakimi, Amrabat, and Bounou. - Key achievements:
Stunning wins against Belgium (2 0), Spain (penalty shootout), and Portugal (1 0), before falling to France in the semi finals. Dates: November and December 2022. - Cultural context:
This simple but beautifully tailored shirt was everywhere in Casablanca and across diasporic communities. When Achraf Hakimi gave that celebration for the ages – the “Panenka” penalty to beat Spain on 6 December – fans across continents fell in love. Now seen in city squares from Paris to Rabat as a code for pride, resilience, and togetherness. - Who will love it:
Supporters who back fearless outsiders, and any collector after shirts worn in miracle runs. - Sizing and care:
Classic fit, easy care. - Provenance snapshot:
Manufacturer Puma
Sponsor none
Worn in all matches including Spain, 6 December 2022
France Away 2022
Subtle but steeped in national culture, this shirt won over purists with understated flair.
- Why it matters:
France’s 2022 away strip was all about detail; sketches of famous French landmarks and references to history. - Key achievements:
Les Bleus wore it to great effect in group play and knockout rounds, scoring goals in style thanks to Mbappé, Giroud, and Griezmann. - Cultural context:
For those who pore over design nuance, this shirt’s map motif links the new generation back to years past, blending style with deep pride. For fans filling Parisian squares or travelling to Doha, it was a subtle flex. The crest and blue trim completed a look that works for street or match day. - Who will love it:
Supporters who know their kit history and want something special but understated. - Sizing and care:
Slim fit, check size charts against your usual France kit. - Provenance snapshot:
Manufacturer Nike
Sponsor none
Worn in multiple knockout rounds, December 2022
Croatia Home 2022
Checkered but never ordinary, Croatia’s classic design keeps evolving and showcased another deep run.
- Why it matters:
Worn by Luka Modric and co. for another remarkable tournament journey to third place, after a famous penalty win over Brazil. - Key achievements:
Croatia’s checkerboard shirt starred in the famous win over Brazil (1 1 AET, 4 2 pens, 9 December 2022) and the third place match against Morocco (2 1, 17 December 2022). - Cultural context:
Croatia kits are among the most easily recognised worldwide, thanks to the bold red and white squares. The 2022 version broke the pattern for a modern twist. If you respect underdog spirit and consistency on the world stage, this is one for the ages. Seen all over Split’s squares and London pubs during the cup. - Who will love it:
Fans of bold visuals, Modric loyalists, and those who want an instantly recognisable look. - Sizing and care:
Modern cropped sleeves, check for a comfortable fit. - Provenance snapshot:
Manufacturer Nike
Sponsor none
Worn in Quarter final v Brazil, 9 December 2022
Explore more of these classics at our full World Cup kits collection.
FAQs
- Which team shirts were most popular with UK fans during the 2022 World Cup?
Argentina, Japan, and Morocco shirts all flew off shelves thanks to on pitch drama and iconic player moments that still get replayed today. - How can you tell if a 2022 World Cup shirt is the real deal before you buy?
Check the provenance markers above, and always compare with trusted retailers or collector groups. - Did World Cup results make any of these shirts more valuable?
Absolutely, Argentina’s shirt shot up in value overnight after Messi’s triumph, and the Morocco kit became a rare find for fans chasing underdog stories. - Why do some shirts become terrace legends while others fade away?
It is the mix of big results, community pride, and timeless design that gives a shirt lasting legacy beyond just one tournament. - Is there an ideal way to care for these shirts?
Stick to gentle cold washes and hang dry to keep colours sharp for years, just like match goers do across UK terraces.
Conclusion
The coolest World Cup jerseys 2022 are more than just kit – they mix history, surprising upsets, and the passion of millions. Whether you recall Messi’s tears, Japan’s wild patterns, or Morocco’s dance through the knockouts, the best shirts slice right through to the heart of football culture. For collectors and new fans alike, these jerseys connect you to the moments that matter and the communities that live and breathe the game. After all, true supporters want not just style, but the chance to wear memories.
For more inspiration, browse our huge selection of 2022 and classic World Cup shirts at cheapfootballshirts.com.
