Manchester City confirm major kit decision for FIFA Club World Cup following fan backlash | OneFootball

Confirmed details around Manchester City’s FIFA Club World Cup kit plans have now emerged following a stream of backlash following initial claims.

Pep Guardiola and his players will make their own debut at the brand new expanded and revamped global football tournament this summer, having earned their place via a 2023 UEFA Champions League triumph and a follow-up win at the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

The group stage draw has already confirmed that Manchester City will take on the challenge of Italian giants Juventus for the second time this season following their Champions League clash, as well as meetings with the UAE’s Al Ain and Morocco’s Wydad AC.

However, before the tournament has even began and with the domestic season still ongoing for City, there has been significant controversy building online over the prospect of Guardiola’s players not starring at the competition in their traditional sky blue and white colours.

It was reported towards the end of 2024 that Puma would collaborate with KidSuper Studios – a streetwear clothing brand based in Brooklyn, New York – to launch special Manchester City kits for the Club World Cup featuring ‘novel colours’ different from traditional pallets.

Understandably given tradition and the potential to showcase the club’s heart and soul on a global stage, the possibility of not featuring in sky blue and white this summer created plenty of anger online among Manchester City supporters.

In light of that backlash and now confirmed by Manchester City this week, the club have clarified that they will wear their brand new and traditional sky blue and white 2025/26 home kit at this summer’s inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

The statement from the club also announced that the brand new shirt – which has already been spotted on sale in the United States – will be unveiled and released to supporters, made available to sale from Tuesday 13 May at 8AM (UK).

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City will have little to no thoughts on the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup however, given what remains at stake in English competition this season.

The four-in-a-row Premier League champions – recently dethroned by Liverpool and Arne Slot – require a top-five finish in the division which remains in jeopardy in order to secure themselves a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

There is also the chance of silverware remaining for Manchester City this season as they take on Crystal Palace in their third consecutive FA Cup Final, having defeated Nottingham Forest to book their place at Wembley Stadium later this month.