World Cup 2026: why is the French national team’s jersey green? A symbolic tribute

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Updated on June 5, 2026 at 06:40 p.m.
Don’t be surprised if you don’t see the French team clad in blue on the pitch at the 2026 World Cup. This time, the jersey will be light green, a choice with a highly symbolic nod to the United States.

But where did the traditional blue of the France national football team go? For this 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, the Blues break from their signature color—but for a historic and symbolic reason! On this occasion, the away kit will be light green and christened Liberté. Doesn’t that bring to mind a monument that both French and Americans share?

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Of course, the tricolor flag remains emblazoned on the sleeves of the jersey, not forgetting the infamous rooster perched above it with its two splendid stars, waiting for a third! But that aqua hue is a historic tribute to the host country, directly inspired by the Statue of Liberty, the work of French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi. It was gifted by France to the United States in 1886 to celebrate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence and to seal the friendship between the two nations.

The brand logos and the FFF crest feature copper-toned hues, a direct nod to the statue's original material before it oxidized. A bold choice, but one that makes sense.

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