The Internet has gone and done it again: Something that wasn’t supposed to be public has been leaked for billions to view with the simple touch of a mobile phone screen.

Ahem!

No, Mr. Guttermind, we’re not talking about another naughty-naughty celebrity video.

We’re talking about the jersey the United States Men’s National  Soccer Team (USMNT) will possibly wear at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Images of the Nike kit started sailing the pixelated seas of the web last weekend. Media outlets like Footy Headlines and SI.com were soon reporting on the revealed jersey. Check it out:

Props to Franco Carabajal, the Argentinian graphic designer who tweeted out this pic. @FrancooC07

Sure, a Snarky McSnarkerson might take issue with the top, saying it looks like a turned-to-the-side bar graph charting a declining population trend.

But the kit has its enthusiasts – us among them. We think the interplay of bold patriotic colors and flag design is a cool concept. We like that the jersey plays on, but doesn’t fully conform to, the fun hooped/horizontal stripe look that is popular at some big soccer clubs, like Celtic.

Still, don’t just take our word for it that the jersey’s nifty. SI.com really dusted off the quill and waxed poetic:  “Gone is the bland white aesthetic that the USA have had to wear in years gone by, and in its place is a lovely looking minimalistic design incorporating the nation's famous stars and stripes flag. The red and blue colours from the USA's flag flow out from the left side of the jersey before dissipating into the main white block hue just past the midpoint of the shirt.”

Of course, going on too long about the jersey is a bit like putting the cart before the horse. After all, the USMNT has not yet booked its place at Russia 2018. Even so, the pangs of a disappointing qualifying campaign can be dispelled with a win over Panama on Oct. 6. The win would put the U.S. in the driver’s seat to qualify without having to go through the Russian roulette of a qualification playoff (See what we did there?).  

Anyway, from a promotional products perspective, it’s wise to take note of the jersey – especially its bolder, flowing design. The style could be a harbinger of team uniform looks that clients will begin clamoring for in the months ahead. After all, when it comes to trends, we’re a trickle down industry, and this design that harkens to the bright patterned looks of early-to-mid 90s jerseys could be on its way to us.

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