U.S. Soccer fans seem to be excited over their new 2024 home and away kits, but over a decade on, they still long for their 2012/13 'Waldo' shirts.
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Nike releases new USA home and away kitsFans react to new shirts for Olympics and Copa AmericaPulisic & Albert show off new threads on social mediaWHAT HAPPENED?
Nike released their 2024 home and away kits for respective nations around the world on Monday, but the USA kits in particular, have been the center of debate. Ahead of a big summer of soccer, featuring the Paris Olympics and the Copa America, the U.S. now has a new look.
When leaks of the shirts dropped a little over two weeks ago, the reaction wasn't a positive one from the fanbase, but now that the full threads are out and available, fans seem to have changed their mind.
Still, though, it seems as though supporters are still not over the iconic 2013/13 "Where's Waldo" kits – with users on social media longing for the look to return.
AdvertisementNikeWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
@JcMack03 wrote that the new shirts are the "Best kits the #USMNT has had in years" while quoting a picture of the new threads.
User @ChrisArens was one of the few to point out how inclusive the shirts are this year, writing: "It’s not insignificant that U.S. Soccer has chosen to highlight the various national teams they field in this kit launch. It’s subtle but goes a long way. The ENTs have as much pride as anyone when they wear the crest. Truly great to see them represented here."
Meanwhile, user @USACFC_ dubbed them the "best USMNT kits we've had in a decade."
User was one of the many, however, who shared that regardless of what the kit drop looks like, he wants his 2012/13 threads back: "Bring back the Where's Waldo."
@Arsenine_ posted a graphic of what USMNT superstar Christian Pulisic would look like in the 'Waldo Kit,' saying: "It's not that hard."
WHAT THE PUNDITS/CLUBS/PLAYERS/MANAGERS ARE SAYING
The Athletic's Tom Bogert wrote "I really, really like these" when sharing the new threads Monday morning
@KCSoccerJournal – a media outlet covering all things Kansas City Soccer – were big fans of the new away kit, writing "The detail on those classic whites. 🔥🔥"
USA Today columnist @NancyArmour wrote that she is a big fan of the new away kit, but is questioning the design from Nike on the home shirt. "The bomb pop kits are back! Not sure how I feel about the white kits. The detailing is very similar to England and France’s, as if Nike hit upon an idea and called it a day."
Breakout star of the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup for the USWNT, Korbin Albert, was hyped about the new drop, posting on her Instagram feed "Let's goo 🔥🔥" with the shirts.
Instagram/Korbin.Rose_
USMNT star Christian Pulisic himself showed off the new kit on Instagram, posting the photo below to his story feed.
Instagram/cmpulisicNikeTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The new shirts give a fresh look to U.S. Soccer, and with two major tournaments on the horizon, they now have unique jerseys to represent their country on the pitch. The away kit is almost an ode to the 2014-15 "Bomb Popsicle" kit with similar colorways and patterns, while the new white home kit is a fresh – yet traditional – American look.
The details on the collar and neck are portrayals of the craft that Nike took to create the shirts, with the American flag present on the sleeve rings, as well as the two former spots.
The USMNT will debut the shirts in the CONCACAF Nations League, and the USWNT in the SheBelieves Cup.