The science behind why 2026 World Cup soccer players are cutting their socks

During this year World CupOne scene is repeated from game to game: several players enter the field with holes in the leg of their socks. Social media is full of theories about the supposed competitive advantage this might give them. But this practice is not new. They have been seen at the European Championships, Olympic Games, and other international competitions over the past decade. However, science has not yet found evidence that it improves performance.

Professional soccer socks are, by design, form fitting. In addition to holding the shin guards in place, they provide support for the ankle, arch, and shin; They help control moisture and reduce foot movement within the cleat for improved stability. This design principle has been used in… Professional football For decades. Although materials have evolved to become lighter and more durable, they are still primarily based on synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and spandex.

But quite a few players complained that the socks are too tight and cause a tingling and numb sensation in the leg area. The discomfort was so great that, in the middle of the match, they made several holes in the leg area to “release the tension” and run better.

There is a biomechanical component to this sensation. During a sprint or change of direction, the largest muscle in the calf contracts and thickens to generate the force that propels the athlete forward. This change in appearance occurs thousands of times during the game. For some, repeated stretching of the muscle is enough to create a sensation of pressure as the stocking exerts constant pressure on the leg.

Over time, the practice of cutting holes in socks took on an almost intuitive explanation among the players themselves: cutting the fabric allows the muscle to “breathe,” relieving pressure and reducing the possibility of pain or cramps. But sports medicine and recovery specialists point out that there are no studies that prove that cutting holes in socks has any benefit. In fact, much of the research on compression garments has concluded that when properly designed and fitted, they can help reduce muscle soreness after intense exertion.

Despite the lack of evidence regarding physiological benefits, this practice is still widespread among professional footballers. Today, it is primarily a narrative phenomenon, based on the personality of each player Personal experience Instead of scientific evidence. Furthermore, the rules of the game do not prohibit modifying socks, as long as the equipment remains secure and the shin guards remain properly covered (however, a footballer cannot play with a torn jersey).

Due to the lack of scientific evidence, many specialists believe that part of the phenomenon can be explained by the player’s perception of comfort. In high-performance sports, feeling comfortable can affect the confidence with which an athlete competes. If a soccer player believes a piece of clothing is restrictive, eliminating that perceived discomfort can make him feel freer to run, accelerate or change direction – even if his performance remains objectively unchanged.

It is worth clarifying one point. To date, there is no evidence that cutting socks provides a competitive advantage or reduces the risk of injury. However, this does not mean that the feeling of discomfort is imaginary. The perception of pressure, restriction, or comfort depends on multiple factors, from individual anatomy and sensitivity to the athlete’s past experiences. In other words, two players may react differently while wearing exactly the same equipment.

For now, it looks like the sock-cutting phenomenon will continue. Available evidence points to a mechanism similar to that of other sporting rituals: their effect is primarily psychological, not necessarily physiological.