The World Cup is less than a year away and for those nations already assured of a spot in Russia, their preparations continue to gather pace.
From training bases to hotels, every little detail is being scrutinised to the most minute of margins. For kit manufacturers too, this also applies.
In light of that, Sportsmail takes a look at the eight World Cup kits released by adidas on Monday – with each design taking ‘inspiration from past shirt designs but brought into the 21st century with progressive tooling and innovation.’
Germany (World Cup holders)
For England fans, Italia ’90 will forever be the tournament of ‘what could’ve been’. For Germany it’s one that will never be forgotten. Champions of that tournament edition, the reigning champions have paid homage to that design 27 years on.
The silhouette look is back with in a sleek but classic design with dropped shoulder cut lines. A gold World Cup winner badge features on the front of the jersey and a special sign-off on the inside of the collar pays homage to the link between the new kit and the kit of the 90s.
World Cup holders Germany have released their new kit – paying homage to their 1990 edition
Toni Kroos will be hoping to pull the strings in midfield for the Germans in Russia next year
Russia (Tournament hosts)
Russia’s World Cup history isn’t as rich as Germany’s so the tournament hosts have gone for a different approach. Their kit modern interpretation of the jersey worn by the Soviet Union during the 1988 Olympic Games, where the team won gold.
The predominately red strip includes solid white lines running from the the back across the arms and on to the chest. A sign-off on the back of the neck features the Russian flag, the Russian eagle and the wording ‘Victory-bound as one.’
Tournament hosts Russia will be strutting their stuff in this kit released by adidas on Monday
It’s a modern interpretation of the jersey worn by the Soviet Union during the 1988 Olympics
Argentina
The two-time winners squeezed through qualification but will be hoping to go one step further in the Finals than they did in 2014, where they lost to Germany in extra-time.
Lionel Messi and Co will be donning a kit that is a celebration of the AFA’s 125 year anniversary. The iconic blue and white stripes are blended with subtly incorporated laurels, a key element of the Argentinian coat of arms and the AFA crest.
Lionel Messi will be hoping to go one step further than he managed with Argentina in 2014
Belgium
Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Co will be paying homage to the likes of Jan Ceulemans and Enzo Scifo from Euro 84.
The design evokes thoughts of a golf jumper it includes a diamond pattern on the front. The badge is in the centre of this with the adidas motif located on the right shoulder.
Michy Batshuayi and his Belgium team-mates have high hopes going into Russia next year
Colombia
Like Germany, Colombia’s kit is a throwback to the 1990 World Cup.
It features a blue and red graphic design on the side of the kit, highlighting the Colombian flag colours, while re-interpreting and referencing the design from the 90s.
Colombia have gone back to the 1990s with their kit – paying homage to the 1990 finals
Juan Cuadrado and Co will don a kit that features a blue and red graphic design on the side of it
Japan
Shinji Kagawa and Maya Yoshida will be strutting their stuff in Russia in a look that takes inspiration from handcrafted Japanese apparel design. It’s based on the traditional craftsmanship of Sashiko stitching technique, which is made by white rough threads on indigo dyed base.
Important moments in the country’s footballing history are celebrated by a sign-off on the reverse of the neck area.
Japan’s look at Russia 2018 takes inspiration from handcrafted Japanese apparel design
The pattern includes white rough threads on indigo dyed base in a stitching-style technique
Mexico
Mexico’s 16th World Cup finals appearance will see them don a strip that evokes memories of the early 1990’s in what adidas describes as ‘the perfect transition from the stadium to the street’.
Predominately green it also features a graphic running from the hem towards the chest.
Mexico have gone back to the 1990s in their look which includes a graphic down the sides
Mexico will be relying heavily on West Ham striker Javier Hernandez to fire them to glory
Spain
Last but not least, Spain’s throwback look pays homage to the design worn by Andoni Zubizarreta, Fernando Hierro and Pep Guardiola at the 1994 World Cup held in America.
It features a dynamic line graphic design consisting of diamonds in red, yellow and blue. Adidas claim ‘the diamonds represent the speed, energy and style of football that’s become so associated with the national team.’
Spain’s throwback design pays homage to the design worn by players at the 1994 World Cup
It features a dynamic line graphic design consisting of diamonds in red, yellow and blue