The members of the Netherlands national football team pose for a photo before their match against Japan at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, Texas, US, on 14/6/2026. Photo: AFP

National team jersey colors are often taken for granted: Brazil is associated with yellow, Switzerland with red, and Algeria with green. However, many major teams diverge from this tradition. Japan wears blue, the Netherlands orange, and Italy blue—colors not found on their national flags. These choices stem from centuries of historical narratives, symbolic meanings, and psychological factors.

The Dutch national flag features red, white, and blue, yet the national team is renowned for its vibrant orange. In the stands, fans clad in head-to-toe orange create a phenomenon known as the "sea of orange". This tradition originates from Prince William of Orange, who laid the foundation for the modern Dutch state in the 17th century. "Orange" refers both to the color and the territory he inherited. Over time, orange evolved from a royal symbol into a national emblem.

While the Dutch flag initially included orange, it was later replaced by red for better visibility at sea. However, football remained unaffected by this change. The color orange was retained as a core part of its identity. Despite a heavy 2-12 debut loss to England in 1907, the orange jersey endured and gradually became a distinctive image in global football.

Japan's story is distinct. Its national flag prominently features a white background with a red circle symbolizing the sun. Yet, the national team, known as the "Samurai Blue", wears blue. The origin of this choice lies in a fortuitous event.

Japan defender Hiroki Ito (left) speaks with Keito Nakamura during their 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their opening match of Group F, World Cup 2026, at Dallas Stadium in the US, on 14/6/2026. Photo: AFP

In 1930, at the Far Eastern Games in Tokyo, the Japanese representative team comprised students from Tokyo Imperial University. They competed in their school's traditional sky blue uniforms. Six years later, at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Japan defeated Sweden 3-2, marking its first international victory. From that moment, blue was perceived as a lucky color.

This belief was reinforced by unsuccessful experiments. From 1988 to 1992, Japan briefly reverted to red and white, matching its national flag, but this period resulted in failures at the 1990 World Cup and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Upon returning to blue in late 1992, the team immediately won the Asian Cup. Since then, blue has become an indispensable choice.

While the Netherlands represents history and Japan embodies psychology, Australia follows a different path. The country's national flag displays red, white, and blue, but its sports teams, including the national football team, use yellow and green. These two colors are derived from the golden wattle flower, a national symbol. Though officially recognized only in 1984, they have been present in Australian sports since the early 20th century, becoming a familiar identifier.

Forward Nestory Irankunda (17) dribbles past Ismail Yuksek (16) during Australia's 2-0 victory over Turkey in Group D of the 2026 World Cup, at BC Place, Vancouver (Canada) on 13/6. Photo: AP

New Zealand also built its unique identity. While its famous sports teams, such as rugby, are associated with black, the football team chose an opposing direction. Initially, they also wore black jerseys, but for the 1982 World Cup qualifiers, the team switched to an all-white kit. The nickname "All Whites" emerged then, directly contrasting with rugby's "All Blacks" and helping football escape the sport's overwhelming shadow in the country.

Italy is a special case where its jersey color transcended political upheaval. The Italian flag consists of green, white, and red, yet the national team wears blue. This color originated from the House of Savoy, the dynasty that unified Italy in the 19th century. In 1946, the monarchy was abolished, and the Savoy family was exiled, but the blue color was retained. Through four World Cup championships, it became a symbol more enduring than any political institution.

Key events of the Tunisia 0-4 Japan match.

Xuan Binh (according to L'Equipe)