Reason why England are playing in red as World Cup viewers left baffled by change

The Three Lions are currently facing off against Panema in their last Group L match, with a win securing a top-place finish and a potentially easier run in the knockout stages.

However, it would appear that the clash at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium has left some fans confused due to the colours each team are playing in.

Anyone who's even the slightest bit familar which watching England will know that we typically play in either an all-white strip or a white shirt with navy shorts.

So it was a little confusing to see Thomas Tuchel's side walk out in a red kit, the first time since England has worn the colour in a World Cup clash since 2018, while the Central American side are donning white.

Had to rub your eyes and take a second to work out which side was which for a moment? You're not the only one, as several fans have since taken to social media to share their bemusement.

"Why are Panama wearing white and England in Red when Panama play in red shirts. Does anyone know please??" wrote one confused X viewer.

They weren't alone in their confusion either, as another penned: "Was watching for 5 minutes before I realised England were in red."

One person even felt strongly enough about it to at the FA about the matter, writing: "@FA why isnt the england kit red and white, where is the dark blue or black in the [match]."

i didn’t realize england were in red for like two minutes and was thinking wtf why does england suck

— ۟ (@codyzys) June 27, 2026

I thought Panama were playing well, then realised England are playing in RED. DOH!

— Michael McCartney (@MickeyMcCartney) June 27, 2026

Panama wearing white and England wearing red has confused me so much

— Mainly Things Sheffield United (@AllThingsBlades) June 27, 2026

However, not everyone was offended by the red shirt, with another viewer saying the strip was a throwback to the kit worn in 1966, which as I'm sure you all know, was the last time we won the tournament. "Much prefer England playing in red," they wrote. "That's what we were wearing when we won in 66."

Why isn't England wearing white against Panama?

The choice in kit colour comes down to which side is designated the home and away side for the match.

As the away side, England doesn't get first choice on which strip to wear for the match, as this privilege goes to the home side.

The strange thing about the kit choice is that white is actually Panama's away colours; their home strip is a shade of bright red. However, the answer to this lies in FIFA's rules that opposing teams must wear contrasting colours in order to be easily distinguishable for those of us watching at home.

As Panama's home kit is red and white, this means that both of England's strips would look too similar, meaning the all-white strip against the Three Lions' red and navy blue is the best combination.