According to reports, the new red jersey for the Brazil national team, set to be unveiled by Nike in March 2026 for the World Cup, did not receive unanimous approval within the Brazilian football confederation. However, the American company’s strategy ultimately prevailed.

The color of the jersey was not the key issue in this debate, but rather the fact that this new jersey replaces the team’s second kit (traditionally blue) rather than serving as a third kit, a detail confirmed by sources close to Globo. Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, has agreed to Nike’s strategy.

Supporters of the red jersey as a third kit argued that with three distinct jerseys, there would be no need for controversy, as the team could choose one based on circumstances. The problem is that Nike does not design third kits for any national team. Nike’s reasoning is that jersey sales are affected by overlap, as the second kit competes with the third kit.

To prevent this loss, the second kit is being changed, similar to what was done two years before the World Cup. The image of the red jersey has not yet been released, but Footy Headlines has published details about it.

The choice of red was Nike’s decision, and the Brazilian Football Federation merely approved it. There is no political connection. Nike’s idea is purely commercial and promotional, much like what it has done with other national teams worldwide. In addition to the color, the Air Jordan logo, belonging to the basketball legend, will also appear on the jersey—a strategy Nike has repeated with other national team kits.

Nike owns the Air Jordan brand, which accounts for 30% of the company’s global revenue and is recognized as a luxury item beloved by the public. Its commercial appeal even surpasses that of the Nike brand itself. The red jersey is expected to achieve significant commercial success as the Brazil national team’s second kit.