Ranking the World Cup's 10 best retro-inspired kits

Many of the top teams set to take the field for the 2018 World Cup are giving a nod to the past with their attire. Below, we rank our 10 favourite retro-inspired kits.

10. Russia - 1988

The hosts' new home kit draws its inspiration from the USSR kit worn at the 1988 Olympics. It's not necessarily an iconic kit on par with others on this list, but it's one that could drum up a particular kind of patriotism among home fans.

9. Mexico - 1994

Mexico's two-tone green is reminiscent of what the team wore in 1994. The striping pattern is appealing, though some have pointed out that it appears borrowed not from a previous Mexico kit, but instead from something Bulgaria once wore.

8. Argentina - 1993

Inspired by the kit worn to victory in the 1993 Copa America, Lionel Messi and his Albiceleste teammates will try to recreate the heroics of Gabriel Batistuta in a three-striped home shirt that's a little more streamlined than recent Argentina designs. The subtle pattern that makes azure stripes appear luminescent is slick.

7. Brazil - 1970

Simultaneously modern and classic, Brazil's newest kits have been designed by Nike to match the vibrant yellow hue the team wore when it captured the Jules Rimet Trophy as world champions back in 1970 - the first time the games were broadcast on colour TV. Brazil always looks great and this year is no exception.

6. England - 1966

Unlike most teams on this list, the Three Lions went back much earlier than the '80s and '90s to find their inspiration. This sublimely simple away kit harkens back to the red-over-white look England wore as home World Cup winners in 1966.

5. Spain - 1994

The 2014 World Cup wasn't just a calamity in the box score for Spain, it was also an aesthetic disaster. For some inexplicable reason, La Roja wore three different kits (white, red, and black) en route to crashing out of the group stage in disgrace.

Spain will seek greater fortunes in Russia while wearing a nifty red kit adorned with a zig-zag pattern similar to the one they wore back in 1994.

4. Belgium - 1984

Bearing a resemblance to the sort of wool sweater your grandmother might knit you for Christmas, Belgium's argyle design is a direct descendant of the country's kitschy and cool Euro 1984 kits.

3. Colombia - 1990

James Rodriguez and company will conjure memories of Carlos Valderrama and his Italia '90 teammates when they take the pitch in Russia. This kit is very pretty on its own, but would vault to the top of this list if paired with bleached blond hair. Your move, James.

2. Nigeria - 1994

Rooted more in the fun-loving, free-flowing feel of early '90s kits than any one specific historic shirt, Nigeria's Super Eagles will leave jaws agape with this bold, chevron-adorned outfit. And that shade of green! That's just glorious.

1. Germany - 1990

One of soccer's all-time classic kits is back. West Germany won the 1990 World Cup in this beauty, and now the Germans will wear a remixed version when they come into Russia as defending world champions.

But that's not all. Die Mannschaft's 2018 away shirt is a tasty teal number that's also a modern take on their 1990's memorable look. This one perfectly walks the line between vintage and modern.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)