The report says the issue became noticeable after the shirts were unveiled, with the effect varying from player to player. It was particularly visible on France’s jersey worn by Kylian Mbappé, making the problem difficult to ignore on the tournament’s biggest stages.
The proposed fix is practical rather than structural. Nike has reportedly kept the existing designs in place instead of changing the manufacturing process. That leaves federations relying on garment preparation to improve the appearance of shirts already produced and distributed.
For a brand that promoted advanced design methods and specialised stitching, the episode represents an unusual quality-control setback. A kit is judged not only by comfort and performance but also by how it looks under television lighting, close-up photography and repeated social-media scrutiny.
Not every Nike release has faced the same reaction. The United States collection has reportedly received a warmer response, particularly the red-and-white shirt inspired by the national flag. A darker alternative, featuring subtle sublimated stars, offers a more understated design.
That contrast matters as the tournament approaches. A visual flaw on one shirt can dominate discussion, while a popular design can quickly become part of a team’s identity. The United States’ upcoming match against Paraguay will provide an early test of how the home side’s shirts appear in competitive conditions.
The steaming advice may reduce the shoulder effect for players, but supporters buying the same shirts may not see an immediate improvement. The report says the issue appeared less frequently in recent friendlies, although the tournament will bring far greater exposure.
The next storyline will be whether the workaround survives the pressure of a World Cup: bright stadium lights, close television angles and the scrutiny that follows every appearance by stars such as Mbappé.