Scotland set to look pretty in pink at the World Cup

Scotland's men will be decked out in navy blue - or now pinstripe salmon-pink - when they face Haiti, Morocco and Brazil at the World Cup this summer. The new away shirt has sparked debate among the Tartan Army since it was revealed on Friday by the Scottish Football Association (SFA). Billed "scarlet red" with purple pinstripes by the SFA, Scotland football fans have questioned the colour of the so-called "retro" away kit, with many branding it coral, orange or Irn Bru colour.

But regardless of the colour the jersey is certain to give a nostalgic nod to some of Scotland's most iconic away kits. Scotland are set for their first World Cup since 1998 after qualifying for the finals with a thrilling 4-2 Hampden victory over Denmark in November. The 2026 edition will be played from 11 June to 19 July in 16 cities across the US, Canada and Mexico.

Scotland fans on social media have compared the new away jersey to the optical illusion dress that became an internet sensation in 2015. But instead of black and blue or white and gold, it's pink and purple or orange and blue. It is thought the salmon-pink colour is a throwback to Scotland's victory over Germany in a friendly match in 1999.

Scotland wore similar colours during the match in Bremen, which saw Don Hutchison score the only goal of the game to secure a 1-0 win against the Euro 1996 champions - a match many supporters look back on fondly. An SFA spokesperson said it was the darkest colour available that conformed to governing body guidelines on the contrast between home and away shirt designs. On social media, fans compared the colour and pinstripes - whether purple or blue - to the early 1980s red and navy blue Umbro kit.