Alessandro Del Piero Accidentally Makes 2026 World Cup Leak Before Quickly Deleting
The former Italy striker was forced to quickly delete the social media post.
Italy legend and former Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero has deleted a social media post after he appeared to inadvertently reveal Adidas' unreleased kits for the 2026 World Cup.
The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup will take place across North America next summer, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting the first-ever expanded 48-team tournament.
In total, the competition will be jointly hosted by 16 cities across those three countries, with the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – a venue that also staged the 2016 Copa America final – being chosen for the final on July 19.
As well as the location, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the final will have a Super Bowl-style halftime show featuring "a list of artists" that will be finalised, in part, by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
Advert
The anticipation is building ahead of next summer's tournament, with kit manufacturers already getting to work on their designs. In fact, some Adidas kits have already been seen by the public, albeit accidentally.
As seen above, Alessandro Del Piero posted a picture of mannequins wearing the potential designs, which include Spain, Argentina, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Colombia, Mexico and Japan.
After thousands of his followers got an unexpected look at the kits, Del Piero deleted the Instagram story within minutes, although the guys at Mantos do Futebol managed to get a screenshot.
And soon, Footy Headlines posted a graphic showing the kits up close.
Del Piero has been in Brooklyn, New York, this week alongside Zinedine Zidane, Cafu and Xavi as Adidas gave the public a first-look at TRIONDA, the official match ball of the 2026 World Cup.
Inspired by this year’s host nations, the design incorporates the Canada, USA and Mexico colours of red, blue and green to symbolise the nations coming together.
Speaking to Gazzetta at the event, Del Piero spoke about manager Gennaro Gattuso and Italy's chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
“I believe that coaches are always right, but you need to understand other factors that determine the success of a team, either club or country,” he said.
“The players, the environment and the moments. Rino has a huge passion, great knowledge and experience. Obviously, I support him, as a friend and former teammate. I don’t just wish him to qualify for the World Cup, but also many other successes, for many reasons."
He added: "I hope he’s able to pass on his energy, desire and passion to the players. Everyone will have to do their part to allow Italy to play the World Cup.”
Topics: Alessandro Del Piero, Italy, FIFA World Cup
Jack Kenmare