The recent iterations of the US National Team jerseys have left fans disappointed by their lack of imagination and creativity, especially when you compare them to other countries (both regional rivals, like Mexico, and other Nike sponsored teams, like Nigeria). We should do better, and we know Nike can do better (just look at their work with college football teams). With this in mind, we’ll give our take on the top 6 US National Team jerseys, and hope we can get something to break into this list for the next World Cup.
Why did we pick 6? Because in our opinion, there weren’t more than 6 worth mentioning. Even our current jerseys, although not terrible, don’t really excite or energize the fanbase.
The US has a proud tradition of patriotism, good patriotic visuals, and a good color palette to create a great uniform. While our country isn’t perfect (and neither is our soccer culture), there is a lot to celebrate and our uniform designers could easily come up with something more inspired than the okay uniforms we’ve seen in the past few years.
I’m not an artist, but the lack of bald eagles, Uncle Sam, the Constitution, Statue of Liberty, or any of these well-known symbols is disappointing. Surely someone can integrate these iconic American visuals in an understated way that still feels American and gives the jerseys some personality and American identity (Mexico does a great job of this, for instance).
We’re not complete downers. This list is evidence that both Adidas and Nike have created great uniforms for our team. But no recent renditions are on this list, and we hope that Nike can come up with something special for the World Cup in 2026.
On to the jerseys.
6. Pinstripes
These make the cut due to the combo with the white shorts. A classy, understated look that catches the eye when you get close. Nice shade of blue too.
5. Stars and Stripes
Probably the most divisive of all the US national team jerseys. I love the boldness and use of our flag, especially for the home World Cup in 1994. These definitely made a statement at the time (I still have the red striped one in my closet). I think the denim print knocks these down a few places. A more understated blue akin to the blue in our flag might have brought these to number 1, but it was the 90s, so what do you expect?
Still, an iconic jersey that will always make these types of lists. You either love it or hate it, but you cannot deny how American it is.
4. Powder blue third jersey
Anyone else remember this one? I’m a sucker for a third jersey, and the non-traditional color definitely raised some eyebrows. I liked (but didn’t love) this look in the first place, but the sky blue version makes the cut. This off-blue color stands out enough but not too much from our normal colors, and the shade of blue is somehow not out of place. Paired with the navy shorts and socks, it offers a subtle contrast that stands out but isn’t too flashy. A smart choice for a third uniform color that looks great.
Maybe it’s nostalgia, as I’m probably the only one who puts this uniform in their top 5.
3. Waldo Jerseys
Seemingly everyone’s favorite. And I like these a lot too. In fact, many US fans are calling for this design to be our default “home” uniform, as it gives us a distinctive look that can truly be defined as American. It looks like the flag, and not a lot of teams wear horizontal stripes. Would not be a bad choice at all.
I’d be in favor of this template as our home jersey combo, if nothing more than to build a stronger visual identity for our team. It’s for the culture.
2. Diagonal stripe – tie
Classic. The diagonal stripe is a nod to the 1950 team that famously beat heavily favored England in the World Cup (before never making another appearance for 40 years). One of these is an exact replica of that uniform in 2004, and another is an ode to this look in 2006.
I love the simplicity and old-school feel of this look, and Nike gave it a nice modern touch with some of the little details, while keeping the classic patch design. It toes the line nicely between bold and understated. These have an American feel in a way that I can’t quite put my finger on. I think they would make great choices for a default design as well.
1. Adidas equipment
Purely a sentimental choice, as these were the first uniforms that were distinctly American.
Before this uniform, the US jerseys couldn’t have been more generic. The addition of a third color in the uniform in the form of a red adidas stripe in between two blue stripes gave this feeling that we were a legit national team. A small detail that meant a lot at the time. We weren’t just some third rate team getting standard uniforms (which is what happened in the 1990 World Cup). Plus, this Adidas Equipment design was all the rage back in the early 90s.
Simple, distinctly American, timeless yet groundbreaking – you can’t replicate the feeling that a uniform like this gives a fanbase.
