Once defined by plain black boots, football has moved into a colourful era, with pink emerging as a surprise trend at the 2026 World Cup.

There was a time when football boots meant only black. Over the past 25 years, that picture has changed significantly as leading brands introduced a wide range of colours.

At the 2026 World Cup, pink boots have appeared for the first time, worn by players from two teams. Nike, Adidas and Puma, which dominate boot sales, have produced similar designs and colours for the tournament, leading to the pink look on the pitch, Prothom Alo reported. 

According to the report, a 2024 forecast by consumer trend agency WGSN predicted that by 2026, “electric fuchsia”, a bright mix of pink and purple, would dominate. It is not confirmed how much this influenced Nike, Adidas and Puma designers, but pink boots are now clearly visible on players’ feet.

Football and fashion are closely linked, and manufacturers plan boot designs about two years in advance. They also consult agencies such as WGSN to understand which colours, themes and styles may be popular when products reach global markets.

Another reason for the shift is visibility. Pink contrasts strongly with green grass, making it stand out on television, in stadiums and on mobile screens. It remains visible even in slow motion or under floodlights.