Expert says what every World Cup kit says about team – England will ‘run out of steam’
The World Cup in Qatar is set to be a visual feast with more than 800 players from 32 teams set to feature.
But the kits the sides wear could be sending out secret signals according to a top expert. TV body language guru Judi James has decoded the designs of each nation’s shirts to find out what they reveal about the psyche of the squads.
Here she tells James Moore what each reveals and rates them for inspiration…
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Qatar
Nike’s maroon shirt, inspired by the nation’s flag, features “snappy teeth” on the sleeves. But it looks less attacking, more “bitten off more than we can chew”. 2/5
Ecuador
The shade of these Marathon yellow shirts is associated with optimism and self-belief while framed by dark shoulder stripes indicating steely determination. 3/5
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Senegal
The V across the chest of Puma’s top in the national colours hopes to inspire victory but is in danger of looking like hearts sinking. 2/5
Netherlands
Bright orange with a lion mane graphic, Nike’s design looks energising with a cocktail fizz effect that indicates drama if not success. 3/5
England
Ditched the all-white design for a subdued more-blue look. The fade also hints at running out of steam. It does make the badge look bigger – they need to focus on the pride of that. 3/5
Iran
The white top with an animal print on the sleeves suggests a bid to surprise but sadly has more of an “out of here quickly” vibe. 1/5
USA
Nike’s navy edging around the neck looks like a bit of a cut-off point between body and brain, suggesting a focus on physical power rather than shrewd play. 2/5
Wales
The traditional red with subtle diagonal stripes across the torso of the Adidas top indicates real passion. Expect confident and entertaining play. 5/5
Argentina
Blue and white striped shirt has black trim details for extra definition, suggesting some classic, confident play with a focus on good finishing. 5/5
Saudi Arabia
A functional-looking kit. The white with green trim does look clean-cut and energetic but clinical in a way that has an accident waiting to happen vibe. 1/5
Mexico
The green Adidas kit with touches of red has a certain sizzle to it and a graphic design inspired by Quetzalcoatl, the god of wind – indicating things could get spicy. 3/5
Poland
White with a subtle graphic inspired by the symbolic Polish eagle, Nike’s unfussy effort looks like a winner in terms of classic motivation and intent. 5/5
France
Chic and high impact, Nike’s dark blue design signals quality and class, but perhaps a touch of arrogance. That button collar suggests they think it’s all sewn up. 4/5
Australia
Gold and green are rousing and inspirational colours. The Nike tops look like liquid sunshine, suggesting they’re here for the fun. 4/5
Denmark
Hummel’s blood-red kit suggests focus with a fighting spirit, with the faint vertical stripes on the sleeves suggesting a determined defence. 5/5
Tunisia
Red with a subtle graphic of the legendary general Hannibal, Kappa’s shirt smacks of determination but might be too subtle to inspire or to intimidate opponents. 2/5
Spain
Adidas’ red shirt with blue and yellow detailing is a little fussier than usual, suggesting they’re not sure what the message is supposed to be. Indecisive. 3/5
Costa Rica
Red with blue cuffs and a white V-neck, this New Balance shirt has a no-nonsense feel and unashamed homage to the nation’s patriotic colours to drive emotion. 3/5
Germany
Adidas’ white shirt with a bold black stripe is the scary, intimidating option that could stop opponents in their tracks. Ruthless. 5/5
Japan
This Adidas kit is blue and white with a graphic of origami cranes. Quirky but smart and distinctive enough to boost self-belief. 4/5
Belgium
Flames on the sleeves of this Adidas shirt is a novel way to motivate players. It’s radical and unique enough to fire them up. 4/5
Canada
Nike’s simple red shirt is a bit dull, but a new strip can create pressure, whereas this old one might reduce it. 2/5
Morocco
Red and green, Puma’s horizontal hoop around the chest can emphasise strength and confidence but this one seems to be broken. 1/5
Croatia
Nike has left out some of the traditional red-and-white checks which could be a subtle way of disarming the opposition. 4/5
Brazil
A bright version of the traditional yellow, with green detailing and a jaguar pattern. Nike’s effort has a breezy, carefree style which suggests the confidence of champs. 5/5
Serbia
Plain red with stylish gold accents this Puma kit makes the team look confident and uncompromising. 4/5
Switzerland
Deep red, but the action on Puma’s shirt is all focused around the V-neck and thin white stripes that get broader suggesting measured tactics. 3/5
Cameroon
There’s a row about who will provide the shirt, but Le Coq Sportif’s offering has a flag on the left shoulder, above the heart, a nod to bravery and loyalty. 3/5
Portugal
Nike’s red and green diagonal split has been dubbed a pyjama top, but it does look like the players are swathed in the flag, instilling pride. 4/5
Ghana
Puma’s mostly white shirt might suggest freshness, but that black star looks a bit isolated and angry. Uninspired. 1/5
Uruguay
Light blue with solid white cuffs suggests crisp finishing, smart play and a certain coolness on the pitch. 4/5
South Korea
This shade of red suggests energy and commitment rather than passion, but the shoulder design suggests there could be fiery moments. Mixed messages. 2/5
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