Phil Neville looked subdued during the formalities.

It was 8:45 a.m. on a dreary December morning in North Portland, and the Portland manager sat in a chair in front of dozens of children inside the Peninsula Elementary School gymnasium as the official stuff was unveiled.

The Timbers had partnered with Bank of America as their new front-of-jersey kit sponsor, marking the first time the official sponsor of the 2026 World Cup has been featured on a professional sports jersey. Tillamook, featured on the front of Portland’s jerseys the last two seasons, will remain as a sleeve patch.

“We are entering an incredible moment for soccer in the U.S.,” said Roger Hinshaw, the Oregon and Southwest Washington Bank of America market president. “With the FIFA World Cup coming in 2026, the LA Olympic

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