FIFA World Cup 2026 Final: Spain were crowned World champions for the second time, having lifted the trophy earlier in 2016. Meanwhile, Argentina, after winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, finished runner-up to Spain in North America. However, the Spain vs Argentina final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey ended up causing harm to one of the biggest players in the sports industry. No, it was not a football player who hated these two teams, but one of the biggest sporting apparel companies, Nike.
Both Spain and Argentina have Adidas, Nike’s biggest competitor, as their official kit sponsor. Meanwhile, both these nations reached the final having defeated Nike’s France and England in the semi-finals. Apart from Adidas sponsoring the two finalists, it also sponsors the biggest players from each of the team, Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Argentina’s Lionel Messi. Reacting to the World Cup final, Camilo Andrade, Vice President and General Manager of Nike Football, said, “I know the ending was not what we dreamed.”
‘So close yet so far’: Nike’s story for FIFA World Cup 2026
Till the 84th minute of the second semi-final between England and Argentina, Nike were in the driving seat of having one of their teams in the final. Anthony Gordon had scored the opening goal for the Three Lions in the 55th minute, and they managed to hold on to their lead for almost half an hour. However, Enzo Fernandez equalised with five minutes of regulation time left. In the second minute of added injury time, Lautaro Martinez scored to put Argentina in the lead and in a second consecutive final.
With Adidas already sponsoring the World Cup ball, the biggest opportunity for Nike would have been to have its teams play in the final. Alas, Argentina and Spain making it to the final meant that the dream was left unrealised.
Nike draws criticism for jerseys
Nike made jerseys not only for France and England but also for nations like Norway, the United States, and Canada, among others. Before the World Cup had begun, the jerseys from the sporting apparel company drew criticism for their design. Additionally, there were reports that there was a delay in the production of the jerseys, which meant these did not reach the retail shops at the desired time.
In the memo, Andrade said, “Against all odds and with an infinite number of challenges, this football team has not only written the greatest comeback story, but it has given Nike and the world reasons to believe.”
What’s next for Nike in football?
Nike, having faced fierce competition from Adidas, will be looking forward to the Women’s FIFA World Cup next year in Brazil. Andrade believes that the leading sports apparel manufacturing company will have “an outsized opportunity” during the Women’s World Cup.
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