Today Puma Football revealed a few of its latest federation home kits ahead of next year’s 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. While some of the countries will feature in the World Cup, a few of them didn’t quite make the cut. The federations that are included in the games include Uruguay and Switzerland. Teams that didn’t qualify include Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Austria.
While the kits may vary in the finer detailing of logos, emblems and the likes, the underlying design carries Puma’s dedication to the sport and new technologies to improve overall performances. The shirts are engineered using the company’s highly developed evoKnit Thermoregulation technology, which provides enhanced moisture management and an adaptive cooling system to help create the perfect on-field body temperature. This is further enhanced by the seamless construction, which provides the ultimate fit and mobility for optimum performance. In the finer detailing, you’ll notice the cooling fins in key zones, which have been engineered to allow it to act as channels to regulate heat, while the dryCell technology provides additional moisture management across the fabric with high-performance yarns that guide sweat away from the body. All of these technologies are packaged into the seamless evoKnit construction of the shirt that provides a lightweight “second skin” feel, allowing the fabric to move when the player moves.
Each of the kits were inspired by elements in their native countries.
Uruguay
The Uruguay shirt incorporates a striking interpretation of the Sol de Mayo inspired by Carlos Paez Vilaro’s illustration of the iconic symbol, which brings great pride to the nation The unforgettable ‘Celeste’ blue rekindles memories of the first time you pulled on the jersey and watched your home heroes on TV, that first time you felt real joy, your First Passion. The subtle nod to the National Pavilion underneath the back of the collar, whilst inside the sleeve is the inscription ‘La Celeste’ (‘The Light Blues’) and the hashtag #ELEQUIPOQUENOSUNE (translates to the team who unites us) can be found on the underside of the bottom of the shirt.
Switzerland
The Swiss shirt incorporates a modern and striking topographic interpretation of the famous Matterhorn into its design. This truly iconic ‘Jewell of the Alps’ acts as an emblem that will inspire and invigorate the players to become future ‘Jewells of Switzerland’ on the pitch. The kit includes the classic colours of the Swiss national team, rekindling memories of the first time you pulled on the shirt and watched your home heroes on TV, those defensive master-classes, that first time you felt real joy, your First Passion.
Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast jersey incorporates a modern and striking interpretation of the nation’s symbol, the Elephant, into its design. This powerful symbol signifies strength, loyalty and assertiveness, the perfect motivation for players to unite as one foreboding force. The flag detail on the collar and ever-present orange of the shirt rekindles memories of the first time you pulled on the jersey and watched your home heroes on TV, that first World Cup, that first Drogba goal, that first time you felt real joy, your First Passion.
Ghana
Ghana’s shirt ignites passion, excitement and freedom seen in traditional Ghanaian dance, the shirt incorporates a stylish graphic interpretation of the Ghanaian people’s rhythm, beat and pulse. The shirt reverts back to the bold Pan-African yellow and red of the national flag, further converting that famous energy and spirit the country brings to their dance. The graphic is centred around the famous Black Star as if the rhythm is emanating from the hearts of the players and is the perfect inspiration for a team to come together and play to the beat of their nation.
Austria
The shirt incorporates a stylish and minimal interpretation of the nation’s pride, the Alps. This engineered marvel of nature is the perfect accompaniment to the sleek, modern and clean construction of the shirt itself. The flag detail on the collar and classic red of the shirt reawakens memories of the first time you pulled on the jersey and watched your home heroes on TV, that first time you felt real joy, your First Passion.
Czech
The Czech kit ignites the passion of the fans and nation the shirt incorporates a stylish and striking interpretation of the Lion statue that guards the historic Strahov Monastery. This symbol of pride provides the inspiration for players and fans alike as they take on their opponents. The kit also features the classic red of the shirt and subtle flashes of blue added to the collar.