Team USA, Slovakia Are Wearing Near Identical Uniforms and Fans Aren't Happy About It

The 2026 Winter Olympics semifinal game between Team USA and Slovakia is off to a hot start, but so far, it's been overshadowed by just how similar the squads' uniforms are.
Not only are both the United States and Slovakia wearing blue shells, but also their jerseys practically mirror each other—blue and white swapped between the base and shoulders—with matching blue helmets to round it.
Take a look:
Naturally, fans across the globe took offense to the eye sore, and let their frustrations be known on social media. Here are some of the best reactions across X (formerly Twitter).
Hockey fans react to Team USA, Slovakia’s matching uniforms at Winter Olympics Semifinal
How tf did these uniforms get approved pic.twitter.com/iDVKOygf3M
— 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙨𝙇𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙘𝙮 💫 (@ClipsLegacy) February 20, 2026
How did nobody say, 'You know, maybe the United States and Slovakia shouldn't wear the exact same jerseys?'
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) February 20, 2026
Obviously these USA and Slovakia uniforms are way too similar out on the ice together. USA has a big uniform decision to make between periods. You know what to do pic.twitter.com/SCYf92ePnZ
— Jordie (@jordiebarstool) February 20, 2026
These teams are wearing the same jerseys. We might see 25 pizza’s in this game. 🇺🇸🇸🇰
— Paul Bissonnette (@BizNasty2point0) February 20, 2026
USA-Slovakia https://t.co/vvqT5aHUlW pic.twitter.com/W3XvPj4i4n
— Mitch Goldich 🐙 (@mitchgoldich) February 20, 2026
Me trying to decipher between USA and Slovakia with these jerseys pic.twitter.com/D8OrPO5IyO
— Ben Houselog (@benlikessport) February 20, 2026
This uniform matchup in the USA vs. Slovakia game is less than ideal.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 20, 2026
Wait a minute, why does team USA have 10 skaters on the ice???
— Danny Healey (@Danny__healey) February 20, 2026
Who was in charge of picking the Slovakia vs US uniforms. This is ridiculous pic.twitter.com/0vamSRk6OR
Someone’s gotta change their jerseys immediately
— Max Dolente (@Philly_Mays) February 20, 2026
If the International Olympic Committee has any brains they’ll make these teams change uniforms at the first intermission.
— Jeff D. Lowe (@JeffDLowe) February 20, 2026
My eyes can’t adjust! https://t.co/igft2ZHtd5
WHAT IS UP WITH THE UNIFORMS THEY'RE THE SAME
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) February 20, 2026
The United States holds a 2–0 lead over Slovakia after one period thanks to goals from Dylan Larkin and Tage Thompson.
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Mike Kadlick is a contributor to the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Before joining SI in November 2024, he covered the New England Patriots for WEEI sports radio in Boston and continues to do so for CLNS Media. He has a master's in public relations from Boston University. Kadlick is also an avid runner and a proud lover of all things pizza.
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