TMexico’s national team is just hours away from learning its next rival for the 2026 World Cup, which it will host alongside the United States and Canada. There is great anticipation for the opening match of the World Cup and which countries will fill out Group A, of which Mexico has already been approved by FIFA.
However, information about their shirts was released. The shirt is very nostalgic for fans, taking inspiration from the traditional Aztec calendar design they wore in 1998, the same shirt Adidas had to resolve legal and financial issues with the National Institute of Anthropology (INAH) before its release.
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The German brand wanted to pay homage to Mexico’s history, but first it had to obtain official permission and make payments required by federal copyright law.
What was the process for Adidas to use the Aztec calendar on the Mexican national team’s jerseys?
Adidas has submitted a formal request to INAH to reproduce Sun Stone and Nahui Orin in two products: T-shirts, caps, jackets, scarves, footwear and hats for men, women and children. The first round will be 5,000 garments and the second round will be up to 15,000 garments.
INAH’s Deputy General Directorate for Real Estate Affairs authorized the use of that element, but according to a document shared by Mediotiempo, there were restrictions and the central image could not be used because it was inspired by the logo of the National Institute of Anthropology and History, so Adidas decided instead to place the eagle depicted on the Mexican national team’s shield on the ball.
How much did Adidas pay to use the Aztec calendar on the Mexican national team’s jersey?
For Adidas to use the Azteca calendar and recreate one of the most beloved uniforms by Mexican fans, such as the 1998 uniform, the German brand had to pay approximately $2,264.73 to ensure legal reproduction on the jersey, which will be officially available for sale starting November 5, 2025.
All of this is set out in Article 288-C of the Federal Copyright Law, which states:
For the use, viewing, or exploitation, reproduction of archaeological and historical monuments, a fee shall be paid for each authorized monument without restriction on reproduction.
The Mexican national team is currently preparing for the 2026 World Cup and will find out their opponents in the World Cup draw on December 5th at 12pm ET. They have already announced two official matches against Portugal and Belgium, who have secured the biggest World Cup qualification in history, at the end of March 2026.
