No April Fools’ Day: Italy’s Official World Cup Jerseys Arrive Online — a Day After Team Was Eliminated

By Tim Chan

Tim Chan

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Italy’s World Cup hopes were dashed for the third straight campaign this week, as the Italian men’s soccer team lost in a must-win playoff game to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

With the score tied 1-1 after full time, the match went into a penalty shootout, where Italy failed to find the net in two attempts while Bosnia and Herzegovina scored four times. Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced to this summer’s World Cup and will be a part of Group B with Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.

As for the Italians? The four-time World Champions also failed to qualify in 2018 and 2022, and with the loss this week, their World Cup drought will now extend to at least 2030.

While Azzurri fans will have to wait another four years to (hopefully) see their team again on the big stage, it seems Adidas couldn’t wait to release the official Italy National Team Jersey online. The merch site Fanatics has both authentic and replica Italy World Cup soccer kits available for sale right now, with the site touting them as being among the “most popular” items selling online.

Italy National Team Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026 Home Replica Jersey

$99.99

This replica jersey is a take on what the national team players would have worn on the pitch, with an embroidered Adidas logo and team crest on the chest, and Adidas striping down the shoulders. This unisex jersey features a moisture-wicking material made with “AEROREADY” technology, which promotes ventilation to help keep you dry. Choose from sizes small to 3XL.

Italy National Team Adidas 2026 Away Replica Jersey 

$100

This jersey is a replica of what would have been the Italian team’s away kits. Fanatics says the light blue jersey takes “inspiration from the elegance of Italian suits” and “embodies a sense of celebration and significance.” Translation: subtle details elevate this from a regular shirt, like the sewn-on Italia crest, embroidered Adidas logo and the color-blocked piping along the v-neck collar. This jersey comes in sizes small to 3XL.

Italy National Team Adidas Originals Full-Zip Track Jacket

$110

Adidas also released a version of its popular three-stripe track jacket with the Italian team logo. The back of the zip-up jacket features the word “ITALIA” in bold, block letters. This is perhaps the most wearable piece from Italy’s official World Cup collection, since it’s not definitively tied to soccer (unlike the jerseys above). We also like that it’s made from a recycled polyester and cotton blend for sustainability. Choose from sizes small to 3XL.

So how does official World Cup merch end up online when the team hasn’t actually officially qualified for the tournament? Brands like Adidas often manufacture products in advance, to try and have inventory ready to ship while interest is high. Even if the final results have yet to be announced, brands will hedge their bets on who they think the winning players or teams will be.

In this case, Adidas had signed on to be the Italian team’s official World Cup partner months ago, and they likely assumed the Azzurri would make it through. It’s similar to how merch brands will often create “Super Bowl winner” items for both teams playing in the Super Bowl, though only the actual winning team’s merch gets released. It’s not clear why Fanatics decided to keep the Italian World Cup kits online even after the country’s elimination.

Italy isn’t the only eliminated team with World Cup merch available on Fanatics.com right now — the site is also selling official apparel for Chile, Denmark and Northern Ireland, among other countries that failed to qualify. Consider these pieces a consolation collector’s item.

Italy is one of only three countries to have won the World Cup four or more times. Brazil has won five World Cup titles, while Germany has won four. The reigning World Cup champions are Argentina, who took home the FIFA World Cup Trophy in 2022.

Looking for Team USA World Cup merch? You can pick up the official Nike USMNT soccer kits here.