Legendary Jerseys Light Up New York Ahead of the World Cup
A unique collection of match‑worn jerseys is currently on display in New York, offering fans a rare glimpse into the wardrobes of soccer’s greatest legends. Curated by the Dutch firm MatchWornShirt, the exhibit brings together shirts that have witnessed some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments.
The showcase arrives at a pivotal time: the 2026 World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Organizers see the tournament as a catalyst for growing soccer’s fan base in North America, and the New York exhibit is positioned as a launchpad for that ambition.
From Maradona to Mbappé: A Timeline of Iconic Shirts
Among the highlighted pieces are the iconic 1990 Argentina shirt worn by Diego Maradona against the Soviet Union, the 1982 Italy jersey sported by Marco Tardelli in the World Cup final, and Robin van Persie’s spectacular 2014 header against Spain. Also featured are the modern‑era garments of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and a host of other stars whose performances have defined generations.
MatchWornShirt plans to auction game‑worn shirts from the ongoing World Cup, including those from the host nations, under an exclusive agreement with U.S. Soccer. The initiative aims to turn the tournament’s momentum into tangible opportunities for collectors, while also capitalising on the growing commercial interest surrounding the sport.