Kit mix‑up mars US–Belgium friendly as players struggle to tell teams apart

A confusing clash of kit colours overshadowed the United States’ 5–2 friendly defeat to Belgium, leaving players and viewers struggling to distinguish the teams. Both sides debuted their new World Cup shirts, but the US’s red‑and‑white striped design proved too similar to Belgium’s light‑blue away kit with pink accents. Belgian winger Jérémy Doku admitted he “had to look twice” during quick passages of play, while US captain Christian Pulisic said it was difficult to pick out teammates at speed.

Belgian television later apologised, with former international Marc Degryse criticising organisers for allowing such a commercial‑driven oversight. US Soccer insisted referees had approved both kits beforehand. Belgian media, however, reported that the hosts insisted on wearing their new strip, which clashed with both of Belgium’s options. A darker US kit could have solved the issue, but it reportedly did not align with their marketing plans, leaving fans and players equally frustrated.