Last week, FIFA unveiled the logo for the 2026 World Cup which will be held in three countries: Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The emblem focuses on the world championship’s trophy presented as a photographic image. The official presentation took place at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America will be the first global football event with 48 national teams. In total, they will play 104 matches at 16 stadiums (12 – in the US, 2 – in Canada, 2 – in Mexico). As CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani said at the presentation, the upcoming World Cup is going to be the greatest, most inclusive, and most diverse.
Presenting the logo, FIFA wants it to be considered as a symbol of football and diversity. According to the association, the basic visual concept, combining a depiction of the trophy and a pattern that refers to the year of the competition, is timeless and represents an innovative design language.
In a laconic black-and-white version of the logo, the realistic image of the trophy will look clearer, contrasting with the 26 background. The number was designed with circular and rectangular forms which reflect the circle of the ball and the squared edges of the pitch. FIFA says it is made up of 48 squares and circles, referring to the participating teams.
Besides the World Cup logo, FIFA also unveiled 16 Host City Logos which are based on the main emblem of the tournament. However, unlike the latter, the number 26 in them is designed in various colors.
The 26 is also incorporated as a typographic wordmark in smaller visuals. Additionally, it influenced the tournament’s official typeface which will be used, alongside Noto Sans as a secondary font, to visually support the 26 sign.
The World Cup’s communication concept also includes a campaign under the motto “We are 26”. The related visuals are typographically designed in the style of the main logo and will be used on social media. According to Infantino, “We are 26” is a rallying cry with which the host counties express that they are united to welcome people from around the world, delivering the best FIFA World Cup ever.
