Kit colours leave players and viewers struggling in United States v Belgium friendly | OneFootball

Belgium beat the United States 5-2 in Atlanta on Saturday in a World Cup warm-up, but similar kit colours made the game hard to follow for viewers and even players.

Both teams unveiled the shirts they plan to wear at the World Cup, with the United States in a design inspired by red and white stripes of their flag and Belgium in a light blue away strip with pale pink accents honouring René Magritte. According to L'ÉEquipe, the US federation said photos of both kits were sent to the match officials beforehand and no clash was flagged.

Many viewers on social media said the spectacle felt surreal at times, and confusion was evident during quick passages of play.

Belgium winger Jérémy Doku said he sometimes had to take a second look, particularly when trying to play at speed, and he would have preferred more distinct colours.

United States captain Christian Pulisic echoed that view, explaining that players often rely on shirt colour when receiving the ball and looking up, so similar shades made it difficult.

Belgian television apologised to viewers after the match, while former international Marc Degryse criticised the organisers, arguing that a commercial product expected to be improving was undermined by the kit choices.

Source: L'Équipe