FIFA referees wear pink shirts for Uruguay-Saudi Arabia World Cup match in Miami
During the 2026 World Cup Group H match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Miami, Italian referee Maurizio Mariani and his team wore special "flamingo pink" jerseys as a tribute to the host city. FIFA officials Pierluigi Collina and Gianni Infantino announced the one-off kit, celebrating Miami’s flamingo population, pink sunsets, and Art Deco architecture. The pink shirts follow a trend of pink footwear at the tournament, chosen for high visibility on television.
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World Cup officials to wear pink shirts in Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia match as tribute to Miami
Officials at Monday evening's Group H World Cup match in Miami Gardens between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia will wear pink shirts, which FIFA states is a tribute to South Florida's largest city, Miami. The article notes the pink and black trim shirts are similar to those worn by Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, the reigning 2025 MLS Cup champions. This could annoy Uruguay supporters given Messi's rivalry with Argentina. Adidas, which outfits all MLS clubs and has supplied World Cup referee uniforms since 1978, is featuring its three-stripe design prominently for the first time. The article also mentions Uruguayan player Luis Suarez's retirement from international soccer and his criticism of manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Yardbarker: SoccerWhy referees are wearing pink shirts for Uruguay-Saudi Arabia at the World Cup
FIFA has introduced a one-off 'flamingo pink' referee shirt for the Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia match at the 2026 World Cup in Miami. The pink shirt, worn by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani and his team, is designed to celebrate Miami's iconic flamingo population, pink sunsets, and Art Deco architecture. FIFA's chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina explained that Miami serves as the base camp for match officials, who are training at Miami Dade College with pink training kits. The move follows a trend of players wearing pink boots at the tournament, with pink becoming a prominent color for visibility on TV against the green pitch. Referees will continue wearing standard colors (black, green, blue, red, or yellow) for other matches.
Soccer - The AthleticFIFA referees wear pink shirts for Uruguay-Saudi Arabia World Cup match in Miami
FIFA has introduced a one-off 'flamingo pink' referee shirt for the World Cup match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Miami on Monday night. The pink shirts, worn by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani and his assistants, are a tribute to Miami's iconic flamingo population, pink sunsets, and famous Art Deco buildings along Ocean Drive. FIFA's chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina stated the gesture was meant to show appreciation to Miami, where all match officials (except VAR assistants in Dallas) are based for the tournament. The pink referee kit follows a broader trend of pink footwear worn by many players at the World Cup, which stands out on television against the green pitch. Normally, referees wear black, green, blue, red, or yellow tops during the tournament.
Soccer - The AthleticWhy World Cup referees will be wearing pink shirts for Uruguay-Saudi Arabia
FIFA has produced a one-off pink referee shirt for the World Cup match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Miami on Monday night. Italian referee Maurizio Mariani and his team will wear a 'flamingo pink' shirt to celebrate the host city. The design is a nod to Miami's historically widespread flamingo population, iconic pink sunsets, and famous pink Art Deco buildings along Ocean Drive. FIFA's chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina stated that since Miami is the referees' base camp for the tournament, the pink kit is a way to show appreciation to the city. The move follows a trend of players wearing pink boots at the World Cup, with pink becoming a prominent color of the tournament due to its visibility on television against green grass.
Soccer - The AthleticWhy Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia referee will wear pink at World Cup 2026
Italian referee Maurizio Mariani and his officiating team will wear bright pink jerseys during the World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Miami. The decision, announced by FIFA's Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, is intended as a tribute to the host city of Miami, which is culturally associated with the color pink. Collina described the 'flamingo pink' shirts as a gesture of appreciation for the city where officials will be based for two months. The match is scheduled for Monday at 23:00 BST.
BBC Sport