Mexico jersey vs Haiti: Why El Tri men's team is wearing El Tri Femenil women's shirts in Gold Cup

Mauricio Codocea

Mexico jersey vs Haiti: Why El Tri men's team is wearing El Tri Femenil women's shirts in Gold Cup image

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.

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. 

Why is Mexico playing with women's team jerseys?

Jersey Mexico Femenil 2023
(Concacaf.com)

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.

Mauricio Codocea

Mauricio Codocea Photo

Editor Senior de The Sporting News en español; antes, casi 15 años en Clarín de Argentina. También guionista y productor audiovisual. Autor de "El abanderado", la primera biografía de Luis Scola, e insoportablemente obsesivo con la gramática y la ortografía, quizá porque no escribe lindo y solo puede aspirar a escribir bien. Dos líneas de 4, piso y larga, así en el fútbol como en la vida.