Few symbols are as recognizable as a nation’s World Cup shirt. While kits occasionally change to celebrate anniversaries, introduce modern designs, or avoid color clashes, most countries have a color identity that has remained remarkably consistent. National teams in the Women’s World Cup typically wear a similar kit to their male counterparts, but there are a few exceptions.
Red
Unlike the Men’s World Cup, red is the most commonly featured color of national teams in the Women’s World Cup. It is often associated with passion, strength, and national identity. Interestingly enough, studies have shown that teams wearing red are sometimes perceived as more dominant or intimidating. The 1995 champions, Norway, have worn red more than any other country.
The countries wearing red most often include:
- Norway – 31 matches
- China – 30
- Canada – 18
- Denmark – 11
- Spain – 10
- North Korea – 10
White
The second most common shirt color in the Women’s World Cup is white, with 9 nations wearing it more than any other color throughout their history. The World Cup is played during the summer months, so teams tend to pick white to avoid getting too hot in the sun. United States, the most successful national team, tends to wear white in their matches.
The countries wearing white most often include:
- United States – 47 matches
- Germany – 38
- England – 25
- New Zealand – 14
Yellow
Only 8 countries have worn yellow most often. In the Men’s World Cup, yellow shirts are most commonly associated with Brazil. However, Sweden has worn yellow more often than any other national team in the Women’s World Cup. The Swedish women’s team took third place in four tournaments, so they have played in many matches.
The countries wearing yellow most often include:
- Sweden – 38 matches
- Brazil – 31
- Australia – 22
Blue
Just 5 nations most commonly wear blue, including two women’s teams that have reached the semi-finals. Interestingly enough two of the top three wear it despite not having blue in their national flag. Savoy blue became Italy’s traditional national sporting color even after the Savoy monarchy ended. The exact origin of Japan’s colors are less certain, but they were likely influenced by the colors of early university players.
The countries wearing blue most often include:
- Japan – 30 matches
- France – 20
- Italy – 13
Green
Only 4 countries have green as their most common shirt at the Women’s World cup. Green is surprisingly uncommon despite appearing prominently on many national flags. Nigeria has worn green the most. This is because Nigeria has often been one of Africa’s top teams.
The countries wearing green most often include:
- Nigeria – 18 matches
Orange
Just two countries have orange as their primary historical Women’s World Cup color. Netherlands has worn it by far the most. Although the Dutch flag today is red, white, and blue, orange remains the country’s sporting color. Orange comes from the royal family that played a central role in the country’s independence.
- Netherlands – 12 matches
Unique National Identities
Rather than solid blue or white, Argentina’s most common shirt is its legendary light blue and white vertical stripes, worn 8 times.
In Scotland’s only Women’s World Cup in 2019, the team wore pink two times and only blue one time.