The 2018 World Cup in Russia saw some of the most stylish and memorable football shirts in history. For fans of Cheap Football Shirts, this tournament delivered an array of stunning designs that combined heritage, modern aesthetics, and cultural symbolism. From bold patterns to minimalist elegance, these jerseys captured the spirit of their respective nations. Below, we explore the top 10 World Cup jerseys of 2018, analysing their design, symbolism, and overall impact.
1. Nigeria Home Kit
The Nigeria home kit was the standout jersey of the 2018 World Cup, produced by Nike. With its vibrant green zig-zag design, the jersey paid tribute to Nigeria’s iconic 1994 kit, marking the country’s first appearance at the World Cup. The bold pattern represented youthful energy and national pride, reflecting Nigeria’s rich culture both on and off the pitch.
Its eye-catching style made it an instant classic, selling out within minutes of release. Beyond its striking look, the jersey became a symbol of Nigerian identity, blending football passion with street fashion. This fusion of sport and culture made the Nigeria home kit one of the most memorable shirts in World Cup history.
Rating: 9.5/10 (Ranked by Highsnobiety)
2. France Home Kit
As the champions of the 2018 World Cup, France wore a classic yet refined navy-blue home kit designed by Nike. The jersey featured a subtle horizontal stripe pattern and a sophisticated tricolour trim on the sleeve cuffs, representing the French flag. It was a blend of elegance and modern football aesthetics.
Symbolically, this jersey embodied France’s golden generation, blending youthful exuberance with historical footballing excellence. The minimalist design allowed the focus to remain on the performance of players like Mbappé and Griezmann, who lifted the trophy in style.
Rating: 9/10 (Ranked by GQ Sports)
3. Argentina Home Kit
Produced by Adidas, Argentina’s 2018 home kit remained true to its traditional white and sky-blue stripes. This edition incorporated subtle laurels within the stripes to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Argentine Football Association. It was a nod to both tradition and national pride.
While the design was simple, it carried immense significance, as it was worn by Lionel Messi in what was expected to be one of his last World Cups. Despite Argentina’s struggles in the tournament, the jersey remained a fan favourite for its deep historical roots.
Rating: 8.5/10 (Ranked by FourFourTwo)
4. Brazil Home Kit
Brazil’s 2018 home kit by Nike featured a vibrant yellow reminiscent of their legendary 1970 World Cup shirt. The bright shade, known as “Samba Gold,” was chosen to invoke nostalgia and celebrate Brazil’s footballing history. The green collar trim added a traditional touch.
This jersey symbolised Brazil’s flair and attacking football, carrying the weight of five previous World Cup triumphs. Though Neymar and the squad fell short of expectations, the kit itself remained a dazzling representation of Brazilian football.
Rating: 8.5/10 (Ranked by FIFA Fashion)
5. Germany Away Kit
Breaking away from their traditional red or black away kits, Germany’s 2018 away jersey featured a unique teal-green pattern inspired by their famous 1990 World Cup kit. Designed by Adidas, it combined nostalgia with a fresh, modern twist.
Despite Germany’s shock early exit from the tournament, this jersey remained a fan favourite due to its sleek design and historical homage. It became an iconic representation of the highs and lows of German football.
Rating: 8/10 (Ranked by ESPN Sports)
6. Japan Home Kit
Japan’s home kit by Adidas was a deep blue jersey with subtle white pinstripes, inspired by traditional Sashiko stitching patterns. The minimalist design paid homage to Japanese craftsmanship and precision.
The combination of cultural tradition and contemporary sportswear made this one of the most sophisticated kits of the tournament. It represented Japan’s disciplined playing style and their remarkable run to the Round of 16.
Rating: 8/10 (Ranked by Footy Headlines)
7. Croatia Home Kit
Croatia’s famous red-and-white checkered home jersey by Nike became instantly legendary as the team reached their first-ever World Cup final. The bold design symbolised Croatian identity and heritage.
This jersey will forever be associated with Luka Modric’s leadership and the underdog story that captivated the footballing world.
Rating: 9/10 (Ranked by BBC Sport)
8. Belgium Home Kit
Designed by Adidas, Belgium’s 2018 home kit featured a striking red base with a bold diamond pattern inspired by their iconic 1984 shirt. The retro aesthetic made it one of the most visually appealing jerseys of the tournament.
Belgium’s golden generation, including Hazard and De Bruyne, made this kit even more special as they secured a third-place finish in Russia.
Rating: 8.5/10 (Ranked by Sports Illustrated)
9. England Home Kit
Nike took a minimalist approach with England’s 2018 home kit, featuring an all-white design with a subtle St. George’s Cross on the neckline. This simplicity highlighted the purity of England’s footballing philosophy.
With England’s best World Cup run since 1990, this jersey became an instant classic, worn proudly by the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.
Rating: 8/10 (Ranked by The Guardian)
10. Portugal Away Kit
Portugal’s away kit, designed by Nike, featured a modern white base with teal graphic elements inspired by the country’s maritime history. It was a fresh take on traditional Portuguese designs.
Although Portugal didn’t make a deep run in the tournament, this jersey stood out as one of the most stylish.
Rating: 7.5/10 (Ranked by Hypebeast)
These were just ten of the standout jerseys from the 2018 World Cup. Whether for nostalgia, design, or cultural significance, each kit tells a unique story. For fans of Cheap Football Shirts, these jerseys remain some of the most sought-after pieces in football fashion.
