​The Sporting News originally published a piece exploring why Belgium would be wearing blue-and-pink jerseys in their World Cup matchup against Spain. The article notes that this detail was presented as a distinctive twist in the Belgium-Spain quarterfinal, with The Sporting News inviting readers to mark it as a preferred source by clicking a link. It points out that Belgium’s national team, commonly known as the Red Devils, typically embodies a color scheme that fans associate with their home kit, yet for the upcoming clash with La Roja, the Spaniards would sport their traditional red.
In contrast, Belgium would don the blue-and-pink away kit, a choice that has become familiar to fans since it surfaced during Belgium’s Round of 16 victory over the United States and has returned for the quarterfinals. The article emphasizes that these colors reflect a deliberate branding strategy rather than the conventional Belgian look, suggesting that Belgium believes the blue-and-pink combination suits them well on the world stage, even if it isn’t the first image that comes to mind when imagining the Red Devils.
The piece identifies the kit as Belgium’s official away jersey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and notes that Adidas designed the look to honor Belgian surrealist painter Rene Magritte. Adidas describes the kit as partially inspired by Magritte’s famous painting The Son of Man. There is also a provocative detail: a message printed in the color on the jersey—translated to read “This is not a jersey”—a nod to Magritte’s playful extension of the phrase on his painting of a pipe that famously declares, “This is not a pipe.”
The article suggests that as long as Belgium can secure wins, fans will embrace the daring color choice, even if it challenges traditional expectations. The upcoming test against Spain is described as formidable, and achieving a World Cup semifinal in blue and pink would be a surreal moment for Belgian football. The piece underscores that Belgium would need to neutralize Spain’s strengths to advance, and that the surreal colors would only amplify the moment if they can overcome the challenge on the field.
Beyond the match-specific discussion, the article touches on broader World Cup narratives, sharing tidbits such as Norway’s controversial decision to bring 600 pounds of salmon to the tournament and highlighting other star moments from the tournament, including Neymar’s Brazil and Lionel Messi’s reactions during pivotal plays. It threads in playful and memorable moments from the event, aiming to capture the broader drama surrounding Belgium’s color-choice strategy and the World Cup stage as a whole.
In summary, the piece frames Belgium’s blue-and-pink away kit as a calculated stylistic and cultural nod, anchored in Magritte’s artistry and wrapped in the tension of a high-stakes World Cup quarterfinal against Spain. It presents the kit as more than apparel—it’s a statement of identity, ambition, and the willingness to embrace a surreal, memorable moment on the world stage.