It wasn’t the players’ choice, but the squad is undoubtedly pleased with FIFA’s kit selection for Canada’s Round of 32 match against South Africa on Sunday in Los Angeles.
Canada will wear black for the second time at the 2026 World Cup. While the traditional red and the white kit worn against Switzerland at B.C. Place are beloved, the black strip holds special significance for the program. It evokes iconic moments, such as Sam Adekugbe’s celebrated leap into a snowbank at Commonwealth Stadium in 2021. The team hopes to channel that same energy as they prepare for the nation’s first-ever World Cup knockout-stage appearance.
The jersey rotation is determined by FIFA, though the available options are submitted by Canada Soccer and their kit supplier, Nike. According to a FIFA spokesperson, all 48 participating nations declared their primary and alternate kits a month before the tournament. For each match, one team is designated Team A and the other Team B. Team A typically wears its primary kit, after which FIFA selects Team B’s kit to avoid clashes between shirts, shorts, or socks. Officials generally prioritize maximum colour contrast; while South Africa’s yellow might seem distinct enough from Canada’s red, the governing body opted for the black alternative.
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