Why are Belgium and USA not wearing home kits at the World Cup? FIFA rule explained

Need to know Why are Belgium and USA not wearing home kits at the World Cup? FIFA rule explained Neither Belgium nor the USA will play in their traditional home strip when the teams battle it out for a quarter-final spot at the FIFA World Cup All you need to know about why Belgium and the USA are not wearing their home kits - Red kit clash: The United States usually sport a predominantly red and white home jersey during international competitions. Belgium also traditionally wear a famous red home shirt, creating an immediate and obvious visual conflict on the pitch. - Turquoise away strip: To solve this initial colour clash, the European side – as the designated away side – naturally opted to use their alternative away kit. This secondary strip features a turquoise design that ordinarily contrasts heavily with standard red tops. - Previous awful mistake: However, these exact two kits were worn together during an international friendly match back in March. The resulting kit clash prompted angry complaints from frustrated players including Amadou Onana and Christian Pulisic, who said it was difficult to distinguish between the two teams. - Unique double switch: To ensure absolutely no repeat of that miserable experience, organisers have made a rare tournament scheduling decision. The United States will also abandon their primary home colours and wear their away strip instead. - Navy blue choice: The host nation will officially step onto the pitch in Seattle wearing their sleek navy blue away kits. This dark base colour provides a perfect visual contrast to the bright turquoise worn by their Belgian opponents. - Distinct goalkeeper gear: The men between the sticks must also adhere to strict contrast rules to prevent any refereeing confusion. The American goalkeeper will wear a bright yellow outfit, while the Belgian shot-stopper is scheduled to wear green. - Referee colour switch: Match officials must always remain completely visually distinct from all the competing players roaming across the field. Because neither team is wearing red for this unique encounter, the designated referee will actually wear a striking red shirt. - Crucial broadcast clarity: These strict and sometimes confusing kit regulations are fundamentally designed to assist global television viewers, including those with colour vision issues. By forcing both teams into their away kits, both officials and fans can effortlessly track the fast-paced knockout action. - READ MORE: Folarin Balogun's World Cup ban suspended for USA vs Belgium as FIFA intervene Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL. Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.