Zara unveiled a retro World Cup collection ahead of the 2026 tournament, but its Mexico 1986 t-shirt features incorrect details mixing references with the 1970 World Cup. Errors include the final match date and edition number. The item drew immediate criticism.
Zara, owned by Amancio Ortega, released a commemorative line inspired by past World Cups: Spain 1982, Mexico 1986, United States 1994, and France 1998. The collection arrives ahead of the 2026 tournament hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
The yellow cotton Mexico 1986 t-shirt, featuring a round neck and short sleeves, is priced at 349 Mexican pesos and available in physical stores and online, though currently unavailable on Zara's website. It includes the mascot Piqué and the text “FIFA WORLD CUP 1986”.
Yet it contains two historical inaccuracies per FIFA records. The shirt states “Final Match – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, June 21, 1970”, the date of the 1970 final where Brazil beat Italy 4-1 with Pelé, instead of June 29, 1986, when Argentina triumphed with Maradona. It also labels it as the ninth edition (IX), matching 1970, not the thirteenth (XIII) of 1986.
The release aligns with anticipation for the 2026 World Cup, starting June 11 at Estadio Azteca, renamed Estadio Ciudad de México. It will be the first stadium to host three openings (1970, 1986, 2026), with Mexico facing South Africa, South Korea, and Czech Republic in the group stage. The event expands to 48 teams and 104 matches.
