The Mexican national team is just hours away from knowing its next rivals in the 2026 World Cup, in which it will be host along with the United States and Canada. There is a lot of expectation about which will be the match that will open the World Cup and the countries that will complement Group A where Mexico has already been confirmed by FIFA.
However, information has been released about their shirt, which was very nostalgic for fans as it was inspired by the one they wore in 1998 with the traditional Aztec Calendar in the design, the same one for which Adidas had to overcome legal and financial issues with the National Institute of Anthropology (INAH) before it could go on sale
The German brand sought to pay homage to Mexican history, but first had to obtain official authorization and make a payment established by the Federal Copyright Law.
What was Adidas’ process for using the Aztec Calendar on the Mexican national team jersey?
Adidas formally submitted a request to the INAH to reproduce the Sun Stone and the Nahui Ollin on T-shirts, caps, jackets, scarves, footwear and hats for men, women and/or children in two productions: the first of 5,000 units and the second up to 15,000 garments.
The INAH’s Deputy Directorate of Real Estate Affairs authorized the use of its elements, but with restrictions, as according to the document shared by Mediotiempo, they could not use the central image because it is inspired by the logo of the National Institute of Anthropology and History, so Adidas decided to place instead the eagle on a ball as it appears in the shield of the Mexican national team.
How much did Adidas pay for the use of the Aztec Calendar on the Mexican national team jersey?
In order for Adidas to use the Aztec Calendar and recreate one of the most beloved uniforms by Mexican fans, such as the 1998 one, the German brand had to pay approximately $2,264.73 dollars to ensure legal reproduction on the jersey so that it could be officially marketed from November 5, 2025.
All of this is in the Federal Law on Copyright in Article 288-C, which states:
For the use, enjoyment or exploitation, for the reproduction of archaeological and historical monuments, fees shall be paid without limit of reproductions, for each authorized monument
The Mexican national team is now preparing for the 2026 World Cup, where it will learn its opponents on December 5 at 12:00 p.m. ET in the World Cup draw. It has already announced two official matches for the end of March 2026 against Portugal and Belgium, two countries that have qualified for the biggest World Cup in history.
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