10) Colombia
Not too many jerseys in major international competitions sport a hashtag, but give it to Colombia for doing just that on the back of their collar. #UNIDOSPORUNPAIS translates to “united for a country.” Elsewhere, the diagonal stripes are a cool, unique look and one of the most recognizable designs for the 2014 tournament.
9) Ghana
The Black Stars jersey is a fantastic mix of something simple with something truly identifiable. The culturally based, multi-colored trim from Puma on the colors and the sleeves definitely sets it apart from others in this year’s class.
8) Nigeria
I can see this shirt being polarizing, but I love the two-toned green shirt of the Super Eagles. The pinstripes down the front and retro-looking circular badge contribute to this Adidas jersey that has a classic look with some modern sensibilities.
7) Croatia
There is perhaps no more unique shirt design than the red and white checkerboard of Croatia. Thankfully, Nike has not gone down the path of other manufactures and amplifying that tradition giving it a sleeker look, instead of throwing it out the window.
6) England
It’s easy to call the plain white strip of England “boring” but you have to at least give them credit for having it first. And in fairness, it’s something that hasn’t appeared as stylish on several occasions before. Give Nike credit once again for recognizing that the retro, classic look is very much in style and there’s not much you can screw up if it’s done right.
5) Cameroon
We’ve been hard on the embossing trend in these jerseys, but if there’s one that goes all the way with the idea and comes out the other side with something memorable, it’s Cameroon. The green jersey of the Indomitable Lions looks more like a piece of artwork than a soccer shirt. (Ghana’s away jersey, also from Puma, follows the same template.) You just simply can’t put that many lions on a jersey and not be considered a winner. The pattern is by far the boldest design of any 2014 World Cup participant.
4) Brazil
Speaking of history – did you know that Brazil’s iconic yellow jersey was once white? It all changed after the 1950 World Cup when Brazil suffered one of the great upsets in the history of world soccer. Needing only a point to lift the trophy in the tournament’s final game against Uruguay (a final group was played this year instead of the knockout format), Brazil lost 2-1 in the only other time the country has hosted the World Cup. ESPN just aired a fantastic documentary about the 1950 World Cup and how it shocked the entire nation. Let’s hope this year Brazil doesn’t suffer another crushing defeat and they have to switch to fuchsia jerseys or something.
3) Netherlands
Quite honestly, what separates our Top 5 more than anything else is the success that the national teams have had that have made these colors iconic throughout the decades. Total Football and the Orange Army wouldn’t quite have the same mojo if the Netherlands were not the transformational force that they have been over the last 40 years. The same orange jersey on Luxembourg probably wouldn’t draw out the same emotions.
2) Argentina
Like the Netherlands and Brazil, the blue and white stripes of Argentina are known the world over thanks to their combination of style and success. When I did these rankings four years ago, Argentina held the top spot. They drop one this year not due to anything this year’s jersey does wrong, but because another country has climbed to the summit of our power rankings.
1) France
How about this for the first upset of the 2014 World Cup? I love everything about the French jersey. Once again, the retro look Nike has established is great. The navy blue shirt with the white collar and refined cockerel crest that goes back to 1958 is a perfect combination. And even better, the away jersey is equally as classy. Ironically, France ranked #31 in our jersey power rankings just four years ago. The French may once again crash out of the World Cup as a hideous embarrassment to their country, but at least they’ll look good doing it this time.
