Mexican national team jerseys are often considered among the most eye-catching in world soccer, and that goes for both the men's and women's teams.
El Tri Femenil, Mexico's women's team, has had custom-made jerseys made by adidas in recent years that are distinct from the men's team.
And in Thursday's CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Haiti, the Mexico men's team will be taking the field with the shirts worn by their female counterparts.
The Sporting News explains the reasons behind the special occasion in Glendale, Arizona.
Hoy es un gran día para disfrutar del fútbol porque #MéxicoJuega y habrá doble cartelera. 😍
— Selección Nacional (@miseleccionmx) June 29, 2023
¡Vamos con todo en @SSalvador2023 y en la @GoldCup! 🇲🇽#TuCanchaLaEligesTú pic.twitter.com/NxGNI07KXw
What is the Mexico jersey vs Haiti in the Gold Cup?
The El Tri Femenil away jersey used by the men's team against Haiti "is inspired by nature" and "the beauty of the ocean," as kit manufacturer Adidas explained on launching the new exclusive women's gear.
The pattern that is immediately noticeable on the away jerseys captures the image of the whale shark, which is often seen in the waters off Mexico: in the Bay of the Angels in Baja California, the Bay of La Paz in the state of Baja California Sur, and the area near Isla Holbox in the state of Quintana Roo.
The whale shark attracts thousands of tourists, but it is also considered an endangered species, and the authorities have gone out of their way to institute measures to protect the animal.
🇲🇽 @Miseleccionfem presentó su jersey alternativo y es una OBRA DE ARTE.
— Hi! Sports TV (@HiSportsTV) March 23, 2023
🤩 Está inspirado en el tiburón ballena y los colores de los océanos mexicanos.🐳#TodoEsPosible pic.twitter.com/GZ18oiqUUn
Why is Mexico playing with women's team jerseys?
The official social media channels of the Mexican federation and the Mexican men's national team shared the following message when revealing that they would be using the women's team jerseys in the Gold Cup:
"The future is here. Our colors, our team. Together for the new generations of women's football in our country."
It's a show of support for the growth of women's football on a day (June 29, 2023) that saw the men's and women's senior teams playing on the same day.
El Tri Femenil opened their participation in the Central American Games with a 4-0 win over Puerto Rico on goals by Kiana Palacios, Greta Espinoza, and a brace by Jasmine Casarez.
