The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is on! Each day ahead of the tournament’s return to North America, Yahoo Sports will highlight an insight or moment that showcases just how grand the world’s biggest sporting spectacle has become — even beyond the expanded field of this year’s global event.
World Cup jerseys are special for each country and each nation’s federation does its best to create a memorable and unique kit each time they qualify.
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As with most sports, the colors teams wear are important. You don’t want clashing, which could make it difficult for players, officials and fans to distinguish who’s who during a game.
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At the 1978 World Cup, much of the world still owned black and white televisions. Two teams using darker colors would make the viewing experience a tough one for those inside the stadium and those watching at home. That situation nearly happened during the final group game between the already-eliminated France and Hungary.
The French, known for their blue jerseys, and the Hungarians, known for wearing red, both arrived at Estadio José María Minella in Mar del Plata, Argentina, wearing their regular colors. A mistake by a member of France’s staff led to what ended up being a 40-minute delay while organizers scrambled for a solution.
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Help came from an unexpected place. Local side Club Atlético Kimberley offered up their green and white kits to the French, who borrowed them for the match.
Les Bleus may have looked unfamiliar, but they still played the part, defeating Hungary 3-1.