Adidas is looking to the past to shape the future. For the 2026 World Cup, the German sportswear giant has announced that its Trefoil logo, an emblem of its heritage, will embellish the away kits of its national teams.
First introduced in the early 1970s, the Trefoil logo was born out of necessity. Stripped of its iconic three stripes by Olympic regulations, Adidas reimagined them into the now-familiar three-leaf design. It was the brand’s signature until the early 1990s when the minimalist mountain logo took over to represent high-performance sportswear.
Since then, the Trefoil has been relegated to Adidas Originals, its streetwear and lifestyle line. It’s returning to the high-performance arena, as teased with the 2024-25 season’s third kits and culminating in its place on the 2026 World Cup away kits.
By the way, here are some of our favorite Trefoil international kits.
Adidas recasts its past for World Cup 2026
The reintroduction of the Trefoil isn’t just about aesthetics. Fans have embraced it as a blend of heritage and modernity, a visual shorthand for timeless and timely excellence. While the iconic mountain logo remains Adidas’ official emblem, the Trefoil has been celebrated for its ability to elevate jersey designs.
In short, the Trefoil adds an extra gravitas to team kits. And they sell. After all, a simple design tweak of a trusted logo may be the easiest way to maximize margins.
However, its return hasn’t been without challenges.
Fans of clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have praised their Trefoil third kits this season for textured, premium designs. Still, teams like Arsenal and Manchester United have received more generic templates, sparking criticism. This inconsistency raises questions about what fans can expect from the 2026 World Cup away kits. Will Adidas ensure the same quality across all national teams, or will only the most marketable squads receive standout designs?
The German sports brand will launch home jerseys in November 2025 and the away Trefoil kits in March 2026. While Adidas has been tight-lipped about the designs, the Trefoil’s inclusion promises a fresh take on retro themes, perhaps even inspiring remakes of beloved kits from the past. Which nostalgic head isn’t pumped about this?
