"This new shirt represents much more than innovation in design; it is a manifestation of the Mexican spirit in every thread." That's Adidas Mexico's Pablo Cavallaro, and for once, the corporate launch language actually holds up when you see what they've produced.
With the 2026 World Cup kicking off next month, Adidas have dropped Mexico's third kit under the concept 'The Mexican Wa(y)ve' — a black jersey with a dark tonal 'MX' pattern, the words 'Somos México' stitched into the collar, and the familiar red, white and green threading through the Adidas stripes on the sleeves. It's understated in the best way. No loud graphics, no gimmick print. Just a shirt that knows what it is.
More than a kit drop
The design carries weight beyond aesthetics. Mexico will become the only nation in history to have hosted three World Cups when the tournament begins — and this shirt explicitly acknowledges that. That's a legitimate milestone, and framing the kit around national identity rather than just commercial spectacle gives it a significance that most kit launches don't earn.
Alongside the third kit, Adidas have released a complementary collection with Someone Somewhere, a Mexican social enterprise that connects traditional indigenous craftsmanship with modern design. The six-piece range features work by female artisans from the community of Naupan in the Sierra Norte region of Puebla. The centrepiece is a special edition Artisan Jersey — a lifestyle reimagining of the third kit with a polo collar and embroidered detailing.
Someone Somewhere's model is built around providing fair-wage work to artisans who would otherwise have no viable market for their craft. Attaching that to a World Cup kit launch, in the host nation, with a month to go — the timing and intent both land.
What it means on the pitch
Mexico's third kit status means this shirt likely surfaces in group stage fixtures where kit clashes force the change. El Tri have been drawn into a competitive pool, and home support will be deafening — but the shirt won't win them games. How Javier Aguirre's side cope with the pressure of hosting is the real question. The kit just has to look good while they do it.
Both the third kit and the Someone Somewhere collection are available now through Adidas worldwide.
