To celebrate the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™, adidas Skateboarding brings together Thrasher Skateboard Magazine and the Argentine Football Association (AFA). This partnership connects Thrasher’s Argentinian roots, the legacy of the reigning World Cup® champions, and a collective of adidas team riders who have helped shape the brand’s forty-five-year history.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Founded in San Francisco in 1981 by Argentine-born Fausto Vitello, Thrasher Magazine has shaped not just skateboarding, but the global culture surrounding it – building a legacy grounded in authenticity, rebellion, and creative expression. Self-proclaimed as ‘the bible’ by late Editor-in-Chief Jake Phelps, Thrasher is a titan in skateboarding, remaining a constant cultural force while adidas team riders like Mark Gonzales, Dennis Busenitz, and Miles Silvas have played a pivotal role in its evolution.
Argentina’s football legacy is equally iconic. A three-time World Cup® winner, the nation has produced some of the sport’s most celebrated talent, with its 2022 victory marking another defining chapter in its history. At its core, this partnership reflects a shared cultural DNA between skateboarding and soccer – two disciplines rooted in creativity, individuality, and rhythm. From technical footwork to reimagining everyday spaces as platforms for expression, both worlds thrive on innovation, resilience, and personal style.
To mark this moment, the collection merges the heritage of each partner into a unified design language. The recognizable Argentinian colours and AFA iconography are blended across the apparel range alongside Thrasher’s own unique identity, creating a true collective expression,steeped in history yet built for what’s next. Arriving as a full-circle cultural moment, the collaboration bridges Argentine and American roots ahead of a North America–hosted FIFA World Cup 2026™, honouring the Vitello family’s heritage and the global influence of both skateboarding and football. The nine-piece capsule is led by a historic diamond pattern football jersey, drawing inspiration from the ‘94 World Cup® kit – last hosted in the USA.
The recently introduced Glenburn shoe is a timeless adidas Skateboarding design, influenced by soccer styling and constructed with leather and suede, featuring a dual-layered toe cap for durability on or off the board. More details that highlight the collaboration feature an embroidered AFA monogram on a chino pant and hoodie, with Thrasher graphic tees paying homage to Argentina. A reversible bucket hat, tailored for the soccer stands, and adidas skateboarding legend Mark Gonzales contributing original artwork for the classic adidas ringer tee and crewneck round out the collection.
The Thrasher x AFA collection launched ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™ on June 3rd, from adidas.co.za & adidas Sandton.