Between June 10 and July 12, 1998, the sixteenth edition of the FIFA World Cup was held in Europe, the first in history to feature 32 participants (previously 24) divided into eight groups of four teams.
2010 FIFA World Cup JerseysAll the jerseys worn by the 32 countries that competed in the 2010 South Africa World Cup.Thursday 01/01/2026You may be interested in
The tournament, remembered for France’s triumph led by Zinedine Zidane, featured kits that stood out for their personalized designs and the beginning of the economic battle between major brands to dress the best national teams.
A highlight was Nike’s strong entry into the market as a firm competitor to adidas and PUMA after signing major deals with the defending champion Brazil and runner-up Italy, in addition to sponsoring Ronaldo, who was considered one of the best in the world at the time.
“O Fenômeno” left an iconic image in that tournament following the Brazilians’ defeat in the final: his special Mercurial boots tied by the laces and hanging around his neck, a marketing moment that is still discussed today.
Another important innovation in the cup was the first-time use of a ball that moved away from the classic black and white of previous versions for a multicolor one named “Tricolore,” as it featured graphic details in the tones of the French national flag (blue, white, and red).
6 x adidas & Nike, 5 x PUMA, 3 x Umbro & Reebok, 2 x Kappa & Lotto, 1 x Shamel, Hummel, Diadora, ABA Sport & Asics
Sports brands of the 1998 France World Cup
1998 France World Cup Kits
GROUP A
Qualified for the round of 16: Brazil and Norway
Group A | 1998 World Cup Kits
*Morocco also had another alternative model with the same design but in red and green that was not used.
GROUP B
Qualified for the round of 16: Italy and Chile
Group B | 1998 World Cup Kits
*Italy’s shirts did not feature Nike’s famous “swoosh” logo because the federation (FIGC) prohibited brand logos on their match kits. This requirement was removed in 1999 when Kappa became their sponsor.
GROUP C
Qualified for the round of 16: France and Denmark
Group C | 1998 World Cup Kits
*South Africa only used their home kit.
GROUP D
Qualified for the round of 16: Nigeria and Paraguay
Group D | 1998 World Cup Kits
*Nigeria only used their home kit.
2010 FIFA World Cup JerseysAll the jerseys worn by the 32 countries that competed in the 2010 South Africa World Cup.Thursday 01/01/2026You may be interested in
GROUP E
Qualified for the round of 16: Netherlands and Mexico
Group E | 1998 World Cup Kits
GROUP F
Qualified for the round of 16: Germany and Yugoslavia
Group F | 1998 World Cup Kits
*Germany only used their home model.
GROUP G
Qualified for the round of 16: Romania and England
Group G | 1998 World Cup Kits
GROUP H
Qualified for the round of 16: Argentina and Croatia
Group H | 1998 World Cup Kits
*Jamaica and Japan only wore their home kits in their three group stage matches.
