FIFA document confirms we won't see one of the best kits in years during World Cup group stage

A leaked FIFA document has revealed which kits will be worn during the World Cup group stage – and some iconic designs will not feature, including South Africa's generational away shirt.

Last month, we ranked the best kit releases ahead of this summer's 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

France, Germany, Scotland and Norway featured on our shortlist alongside South Korea's unique 'Space Purple' away kit, which is inspired by the explosive momentum of a blooming flower that is said to 'express the nation's energy'.

Unfortunately, some of our picks will not feature in the opening weeks of the tournament, according to a leaked FIFA document that was posted by journalist Leonardo Bertozzi on Monday night.

One of the biggest disappointments is the absence of South Africa's stunning away kit, a design that paid tribute to the country's 12 official languages.

From the dark green and gold colour combination to its stripes and traditional patterns, many had been looking forward to seeing it in action during Group A games against Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic.

I bring sad news.

World Cup documentation from FIFA confirms that we won't see any of these kits during the group stage. 😭😭 https://t.co/VlpQYgAVP5 pic.twitter.com/JcbJW9Gw0A

— Phil Delves (@phildelves) June 2, 2026

Another kit that will not feature during the World Cup group stage is Curacao's pastel yellow away jersey, a design that earned a 9.5/10 rating in our rankings.

The kit celebrates Curacao's capital city, Willemstad, and the colourful buildings that reside in its Punda and Otrobanda districts.

Japan's away jersey will not be worn at the group stages, either. A simple but effective design, the shirt features 12 vertical stripes over an off-white base, with eleven of those lines representing the players on the field.

Brazil, meanwhile, will wear three different uniform variations across their three group stage matches to avoid kit clashes.

England are set to play in their iconic white shirt for the Group L opener against Ghana, who will wear their yellow colourway for the clash on June 23.

England's World Cup squad numbers leaked in separate FIFA document

England's official squad numbers will be announced at 3pm, but they've already been widely circulated in a FIFA document.

Players will sport digits from No.1 to 26, with regular goalkeeper Jordan Pickford taking the first number as expected and Jarell Quansah handed the final squad number.

The numbers appear to hint at what will be Thomas Tuchel's preferred starting XI.

Harry Kane retains the usual No.9, while Jude Bellingham has been handed the iconic No.10 once again. Elliot Anderson, meanwhile, is rewarded with the No.8, a number he wears for Nottingham Forest.

Ezri Konza and Nico O'Reilly will wear No.2 and No.3 respectively.

England's World Cup squad numbers in full:

1.Jordan Pickford

2.Ezri Konsa

3.Nico O'Reilly

4.Declan Rice

5.John Stones

6.Marc Guehi

7.Bukayo Saka

8.Elliot Anderson

9.Harry Kane

10.Jude Bellingham

11.Marcus Rashford

12.Tino Livramento

13.Dean Henderson

14.Jordan Henderson

15.Dan Burn

16.Kobbie Mainoo

17.Morgan Rogers

18.Anthony Gordon

19.Ollie Watkins

20.Noni Madueke

21.Eberechi Eze

22.Ivan Toney

23.James Trafford

24.Reece James

25.Djed Spence

26.Jarell Quansah