FIFA World Cup 2026: Why Do Players’ Jerseys Feature Different ‘Patches’?
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
England began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Wednesday against Croatia. Observers watching the match might have noticed something unusual on Harry Kane’s jersey.
His jersey featured a golden patch, distinct from the tournament logo, which was absent on the jerseys of other England players.
So why does Kane’s jersey differ?
In fact, only players who have won the ‘Golden Boot’ award at a World Cup are permitted to wear this special patch.
Kane won the Golden Boot at the 2018 Russia World Cup, scoring the most goals and helping England reach the semifinals with six goals.
Sharp-eyed viewers also noticed that French striker Kylian Mbappé sported a golden patch on his jersey during Tuesday’s match against Senegal. Mbappé won the Golden Boot at the Qatar World Cup four years ago by scoring eight goals, the highest in the tournament.
Another player wearing this patch in the current tournament is Colombia’s James Rodríguez, who led the goal tally with six goals at the 2014 Brazil World Cup.
Are Other Special Symbols Used in This Tournament?
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Various patches symbolize different player achievements and reasons for World Cup participation on their jerseys.
Members of teams that have previously won the World Cup wear a golden logo patch representing their title wins. To date, seven nations, including England, have secured the World Cup trophy.
However, Italy, which failed to qualify for this World Cup, would have also earned the right to wear this patch.
First-time World Cup players receive a patch featuring the tournament logo alongside the words ‘Debut FIFA World Cup.’
Players who have previously participated in World Cups sport special patches commemorating their appearances.
Players who have competed in five or more World Cups have a ‘Legacy’ patch on their jersey sleeve, alongside their national flag.
Fans will also notice unique badges on the jerseys of players named best goalkeepers in previous World Cups. These patches feature the tournament logo combined with a crest depicting a goalkeeper’s glove in the center.
Image source, Reuters
Golden Patch for Members of World Cup Winning Teams:
- Brazil: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
- Germany: 1954, 1974, 1990 [West Germany], 2014
- Argentina: 1978, 1986, 2022
- France: 1998, 2018
- Uruguay: 1930, 1950
- Spain: 2010
- England: 1966
Patches for Golden Boot Award Winners:
- Harry Kane, England
- Kylian Mbappé, France
- James Rodríguez, Colombia
Patches for Golden Glove Award Winners:
- Emiliano Martínez, Argentina
- Thibaut Courtois, Belgium
- Manuel Neuer, Germany
‘Legacy’ Patches:
- Lionel Messi, Argentina
- Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
- Luka Modrić, Croatia
- Manuel Neuer, Germany
- Yuto Nagatomo, Japan
Why Have Such Patches and Badges Been Introduced?
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
The use of these special patches began through a long-term partnership between FIFA and trading card company Topps.
However, these patches are removed from jerseys once matches conclude, allowing fans to collect them as valuable physical memorabilia.