Why the USMNT is wearing the blue away kit against Belgium despite being the home team

[ASFN Admin]

The U.S. men's national team will be the designated home team in Monday's Round of 16 against Belgium at Seattle's Lumen Field, but the USMNT won't be wearing the "Stripes" home kit that fans have purchased in droves this World Cup.

Instead, the USMNT will take the field wearing the away blue "Stars" kit that it also wore in the final group stage loss to Turkey.

There's a good reason for that, though.

This unconventional uniform matchup goes back to when these two teams met in a March friendly in Atlanta. The USMNT debuted the "Stripes" kit, but because Belgium's home kits are primarily red, it opted for a white and pastel road kit. The result was a disaster for both fans watching on TV and the players on the field.

When the US hosted Belgium in March the visitors hit them for FIVE pic.twitter.com/mONDZBfQZo

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 6, 2026

What players said about the clashing uniforms​

The USMNT players were admittedly surprised when they saw what Belgium was wearing in that friendly. It was simply awkward for everyone involved. Via Reuters:

American captain Christian Pulisic said it was difficult to deal with.

“A lot of times you get the ball and you look up, you can't really lock in on something. You only can base it off the colour of the shirt. That's how it works," he told reporters. "And when it's very similar, it's difficult."

FIFA undeniably was aware of that ordeal and opted to avoid a miserable viewing experience for the millions watching around the world.

Stars in Seattle! ️ pic.twitter.com/ktA3jiIrOI

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 5, 2026

Monday’s kit line up

No repeat of the mash up colour clash from their friendly in March pic.twitter.com/kWeC4Sfyai

— Gary Walker (@g4ryw4lker) July 3, 2026

We won't have to worry about a uniform clash this time.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why the USMNT is wearing the blue away kit against Belgium despite being the home team

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