2026 MLS new equipment superlatives: Enjoyable, vitality, confusion and the highest 3

Every workforce in MLS unveiled its new equipment for 2026 (pairing with final yr’s new releases). A recurring theme within the design explanations this yr is references to creating one thing worthy of the highlight that comes with North America internet hosting this summer time’s World Cup. Ambitions and execution can usually diverge on the subject of equipment designs, although.

Did the groups and leaguewide kitmaker Adidas execute each at that lofty stage?

Here are superlatives for each new design.

Most underwhelming: Inter Miami’s ‘Presagio’ equipment

Really, Miami? Just a black collared shirt? After years of pleading with this membership to be extra bold with its equipment designs, given its shade scheme, aura and the vibrancy of South Florida, it now simply appears like they’re trolling us. The promotional language for this equipment appears to assist that concept, too:

“Inter Miami’s 2026 Presagio Kit captures the anticipation and tension that the team’s arrival generates. It’s the shift in the air when the club walks into another stadium. You feel Miami before you see Miami. Calm, confident, and certain, this kit represents the presence that travels with the team. Presagio is not a prediction. It is the sign that something is about to happen.”

That’s a number of phrases for a black collared shirt that appears like one thing a youth league referee would put on. Still, since Lionel Messi’s identify shall be printed on the again of it, they’ll promote a ton of those, and nothing I say will matter.

Second most underwhelming: Colorado Rapids’ ‘Colorful Colorado’ equipment

You can’t name a equipment “Colorful Colorado” after which have it’s this darkish. You simply can’t. Words have to have which means, or else the whole lot falls aside.

Third most underwhelming: Vancouver Whitecaps’ ‘Coastal’ jersey

This one isn’t essentially unhealthy. I just like the collar and sleeve particulars. But Vancouver at all times has such good kits, and this one feels disappointing in comparison with the bar the membership has set.

Most ‘align center’ utilization: Nashville SC’s ‘Reverb’ equipment

If you get a thrill out of urgent “align center” when making a doc, that is the equipment for you. Enjoy.

Most ENERGIZED: Red Bull New York’s ‘Rooted’ equipment

RBNY has had higher kits than this, however this one could possibly be their most on-brand design ever. It’s meant to represent roots working deep. Really, it screams “staying up until dawn on a school night to play video games with your friends, with an ungodly amount of caffeine, taurine and pizza rolls coursing through your veins as you realize you haven’t blinked in seven hours.”

Most costly wanting: LAFC’s 2026 ‘Primary’ equipment

This appears like a equipment you’ll be able to solely buy at a luxurious retailer in Dubai, when you first show you’ve a pet liger and a special Lamborghini for every day of the week.

Most ‘hotel wallpaper’ wanting design: Portland Timbers’ ‘Civic Stadium’ equipment

This design was impressed by Providence Park’s structure to mark the stadium’s one centesimal anniversary, but it simply makes me surprise if I have to scan my room key to make the elevator work.

Most enjoyable: San Jose Earthquakes’ ‘Grateful Dead’ equipment

Musician-themed kits have grow to be a development in MLS in recent times, with this being the primary of two new entries to the class. This is a enjoyable idea that was nicely executed, and I’m not even a Grateful Dead fan.

Most ‘Yes, that is definitely one of your club’s kits’: Charlotte FC’s ‘Carolina’ equipment; Chicago Fire’s ‘Forever Red’ equipment; Columbus Crew’s ‘Crafted for Elegance’ equipment; FC Dallas’ ‘DNA’ equipment; DC United’s ‘Black and Red’ equipment; LA Galaxy’s ‘VeloCITY’ equipment’ and Real Salt Lake’s ‘Switchback’ equipment

There isn’t a ton to say about any of those, as they very a lot adhere to tried-and-true designs every membership has used beforehand. That’s not a foul factor in any respect — it may be good to have a constant, conventional look. There simply isn’t a lot new to say right here.

Most disappointing expression of area exploration: Houston Dynamo’s ‘Mission Control’ jersey

There are so many superior visuals related to area exploration, however this isn’t one among them.

“The design features a satellite view of Houston layered with a heat map that captures the energy of its fans.”

There isn’t any approach you’re seeing that idea with out studying the reason first. Even after studying it, I’m seeing a T. rex or a big rooster strolling towards the sting of a cliff.

Most noble: CF Montreal’s ‘Procure’ jersey

According to CF Montreal, a portion of all gross sales from this jersey will go to Procure, a Quebec-based charity that funds prostate most cancers analysis. The group’s identify is featured on the again of the shirt. This is one thing extra golf equipment ought to do.

Most complicated tribute to a legend: St. Louis City’s ‘Tina Turner’ equipment

I’m certain Tina Turner would’ve liked {that a} sports activities workforce representing a metropolis she lived in wished to pay tribute to her with its equipment. I’m not so certain she would’ve wished the identify of a pet food firm emblazoned throughout the entrance of that tribute. There’s simply one thing that doesn’t appear fairly proper about this.

Most haunting lion picture: Orlando City’s ‘Sunken Treasure’ equipment

A equipment “inspired by shipwrecks, sea exploration and the pursuit of gold” is cool lore, however the actual genius of this jersey is within the entrancingly lifeless eyes of the lion at its middle. I can envision Orlando’s opponents getting sucked in by these eyes mid-match and mentally coming into a limbo-like state the place historical sailors sing chilling sea shanties.

Most muddled tribute to the founding of the United States: Philadelphia Union’s ‘1776’ equipment

Someone was instructed all of the historic Philadelphia parts this equipment ought to elicit, and so they simply jumbled them collectively. This appears like malicious compliance after executives rejected a number of dozen alternate options.

Clean however unremarkable: Seattle Sounders’ ‘Evergreen State’ equipment and Toronto FC’s ‘Six’ equipment

Both of those are easy, wearable and good sufficient given their restricted design parts. But for those self same causes, neither shall be all that memorable.

Most ‘Yay, fireworks!’: New England Revolution’s ‘July 4’ jersey

“Inspired by patriotic bunting and fireworks that light the skies each summer, the design reflects pride, tradition and celebration.”

Fireworks are cool, and a special equipment design component. This is a pleasant execution that urges you to have a look at the membership’s badge slightly than the rather more outstanding sponsor branding.

Most in want of just a bit extra jazz: Sporting Kansas City’s ’18th & Vine’ equipment

I really like the concept of a equipment that pays tribute to Kansas City’s neon-laced jazz district, however this one is developing a bit of quick for me. The design isn’t unhealthy, but I have a look at it and really feel like extra might have been carried out with that theme. (Cue melancholy sax solo.)

Most enticing use of vertical stripey designs: Austin FC’s ‘Rooted in Austin’ equipment and FC Cincinnati’s ‘Seven Hills’ equipment

Both designs are impressed by the pure magnificence that surrounds every metropolis (“the lush greens and clear waters of Barton Springs, Zilker Park and the Hill Country” for Austin, and the seven hills and the Ohio River for Cincinnati). They each translated that via unique takes on vertical stripes. Austin’s additionally makes me need mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Most improved: San Diego FC’s ‘Unprecedented Unity’ equipment

San Diego kicked off its inaugural season in two kits that have been primarily simply Adidas’ primary template design. For Year 2, the membership has one thing to name its personal.

“Shaped by the shared culture of San Diego and Tijuana, this kit reflects a region defined by connection, creativity and global spirit.”

Is it one of the best design ever? Eh. At least it’s one thing distinctive to San Diego.

Most hypnotic: New York City FC’s ‘All Nations’ equipment

Taking inspiration from the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows and the town flag, this jersey primarily provides me flashbacks to the Fruitopia commercials from the ’90s, however with the darkness of the 2020s.

Best historic callback: Atlanta United’s ‘Spirit of ’96’ equipment

Atlanta United is celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the 1996 Olympics hosted by the town with a equipment that makes use of the Centennial Games shade scheme. Making the membership’s badge appear like a gold medal was a pleasant contact, too.

Most center of the pack: Minnesota United’s ‘Decade’ equipment

Celebrating 10 years in MLS, Minnesota determined to incorporate parts from kits all through that decade. While the execution is delicate, mixing these parts in a non-abrasive approach, nothing actually stands out about any of it both.

The definitive, wholly inarguable high 3:

1. San Jose’s “Grateful Dead” equipment
2. Atlanta United’s “Spirit of ’96” equipment
3. New England Revolution’s “July 4” jersey

Most honorable of mentions: Orlando City’s “Sunken Treasure” equipment, simply because I don’t need these lion eyes to curse my household for generations to return.

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