What if each nation qualified for the 2026 World Cup had its own sneaker? That’s the challenge KidSuper and Bape are about to take on with a collaboration that’s as ambitious as it is symbolic.
With just a few hours to go until the biggest football event in the world, the excitement around the projects related to the World Cup is ramping up among brands. But few have such a grand scale. After their first collaboration in 2025, KidSuper and Bape are back with a collection designed around the 48 national teams that will participate in the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
After their first collaboration in 2025, the two brands are at it again. While most collections focus on a few standout nations, KidSuper and Bape choose to celebrate all 48 teams that will compete. The idea is simple: create an exclusive version of the Bape Sta for each qualified country. But behind this concept lies a true visual research effort, where each sneaker becomes an extension of its nation's football identity. The project aims to tell the story and the aesthetic codes of each team through one of the most iconic silhouettes in the Bape catalog.
A World Cup Told Through the Bape Sta
Staying true to the DNA of the silhouette, each Bape Sta retains its iconic elements while adopting color palettes specific to each country. Patent leather. Exclusive branding. National references. No doubt, the silhouette reinvents itself without ever losing its identity. The goal is not just to represent a nation, but to convey what defines its identity on the field. This approach perfectly aligns with the vision of KidSuper, a brand that has maintained a close relationship with football for several years, both through its collections and various creative projects.
To bring this vision to life, KidSuper and Bape teamed up with SneakerDenn, a renowned collector and archivist in the Bape Sta universe. Present from the early phases of the project, the Londoner ultimately signed off on six colorways referencing six countries: France, Japan, Sweden, Australia, South Korea, and Uruguay. Rather than relying solely on the colors of national flags, SneakerDenn drew inspiration from the jerseys that have marked the history of each team.
Photo credits: @sneakerdenn (Instagram)
The sneaker dedicated to France features the colorway associated with the Bleus, enhanced with golden touches that recall the most glorious periods of the national team. Beyond the sneakers, this collaboration also marks a turning point for SneakerDenn. After years spent documenting, collecting, and preserving the legacy of the Bape Sta, he is now participating in writing its history by becoming an official collaborator.
So when is it dropping?
As for the release, an initial selection of ten colorways will be available starting June 11 at KiSuper and participating Bape Stores. For those hoping to represent their country, you'll need to be a bit patient. KidSuper and Bape have announced an upcoming pre-order that will include all 48 colorways designed for the World Cup. In terms of pricing, expect to pay €350 for each silhouette.