What are the patches on some shirts at the World Cup?

England captain Harry Kane was seen wearing a special patch on his England shirt - why are they there and who else gets to wear them?

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed that some players' jerseys feature a special patch. England captain Harry Kane, for instance, wore a distinctive patch on the left chest of his shirt. These are not mere decorations; they are honorific insignias authorized by FIFA to recognize specific achievements or roles. The most prominent among these patches is the "World Cup winner's star." According to FIFA regulations, only national teams that have won the World Cup are entitled to display a gold star on their jerseys. For example, Brazil's five stars represent their five titles, Germany and Italy have four each, Argentina three, France two, and England one. These stars are usually embroidered above the team crest, symbolizing the team's glorious history. In addition to championship stars, this World Cup introduced a special "captain's patch." FIFA partnered with UNICEF to launch the "Football Unites the World" campaign, encouraging captains to wear armbands with the slogan "No Discrimination." However, due to FIFA's intervention, some team captains ultimately did not wear that armband and instead used the official FIFA armband. Harry Kane wore this official armband during matches. There are also patches commemorating special events. For instance, as the host nation, Qatar's jersey features the country's coat of arms and the World Cup emblem. Some teams add special insignias to mark their number of World Cup appearances. For example, Germany once designed a special jersey to commemorate their fourth title. It is important to note that not all players can wear these patches arbitrarily. Championship stars must be officially confirmed by FIFA and can only be worn in official matches. The captain's armband is reserved exclusively for the appointed captain. These rules ensure the authority and uniqueness of the patches. For fans, these patches are more than just decorations; they are snapshots of a team's history and culture. They tell stories of glory, unity, and struggle. Next time you watch a World Cup match, pay closer attention to the details on players' jerseys—you might discover more interesting secrets. In summary, the patches on World Cup jerseys carry rich meanings, from championship honors to social initiatives. Each patch deserves respect and understanding.

What are the patches on some shirts at the World Cup?

Related Matches