Sportswear giant Nike has opened an investigation after a design flaw appeared on several World Cup kits, most visible around the shoulder seam. The defect showed on England, France and Uruguay shirts during the recent international break. Both player ‘match’ jerseys and fan ‘stadium’ versions display the bulge, prompting swift scrutiny from the brand.

Fans in the UK have already purchased the offending apparel, with England’s stadium shirt priced at £89.99 and the match version at £134.99. Online forums brim with complaints, and retailers report a spike in return requests. Nike’s spokesperson told the Guardian the issue is “minor” and does not affect performance, but admits the look falls short of expectations.

The defect matters because Nike supplies kits for all 32 nations, including co‑hosts Canada and the USA, as well as Brazil, the Netherlands and others. With the tournament kicking off on 11 June across the US, Canada and Mexico, any visual flaw risks undermining the brand’s reputation and could distract players before opening matches such as England’s clash with Croatia on 17 June.

Nike says it is moving quickly to correct the problem for both players and supporters, promising revised samples before the first match. The company’s track record with England’s kits dates back to 2013, and maintaining high standards remains essential for future contract negotiations. The swift response aims to preserve fan confidence ahead of the World Cup.