FIFA World Cup 26 poster spotlights designer’s Filipino heritage

Fil-Am designer Rich Tu at Metlife Stadium: ‘It’s truly an honor to be part of a tradition that celebrates the world coming together through sport and art.’ CONTRIBUTED

NEW YORK — As the world gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it’s shaping up to be a historic event in many ways.

For the first time in the tournament’s history, the FIFA World Cup will be hosted jointly by three countries — Canada, Mexico and the United States. The final match will be played at the New York/New Jersey stadium, marking a significant milestone in the tournament’s legacy.

Amid this unprecedented backdrop, a striking new poster representing the New York/New Jersey region has caught the eye of fans and art enthusiasts alike.

2026 FIFA World Cup poster designed by award-winning Fil-Am artist Rich Tu. CONTRIBUTED

Rich Tu, a first-generation Filipino American and award-winning artist based in Brooklyn, is at the heart of this creative masterpiece.

 A graduate of SVA’s Illustration as Visual Essay program and recipient of the ADC Young Guns award, which recognizes the world’s best creatives under 30, Tu shared with Inquirer.net USA how he was chosen for this momentous project.

“FIFA and the NYNJ host committee reached out directly, and honestly, I was pretty shocked at first when I got the call,” he said.

 “It was one of those moments where you realize your work has reached a new level of recognition. I’ve done culturally impactful work with big brands before, but this — this was different.”

Tu saw it as an incredible opportunity to leave his mark on history.

 “To create something that would be seen by millions around the world, I knew I had to approach it with a lot of passion and respect for the occasion.”

The design process was deeply personal for Tu. He explained, “The symbolism of the poster starts at the center with the patchwork soccer ball that represents the global fandom — the worldwide unity that the World Cup fosters. That ball sits within the torch of the Statue of Liberty, a powerful symbol of freedom and welcoming, positioned between the two states of New York and New Jersey.”

But what truly made this project special?

Rich Tu incorporates sampaguita into FIFA World Cup 26 poster design

“For me, it was embedding my cultural roots into the design,” he said. “I added my signature linework as a callback to my earlier pieces, which celebrates the sampaguita flower — the national flower of the Philippines. It’s a delicate, fragrant bloom that holds a lot of cultural significance for Filipinos, symbolizing purity, humility and hope.”

Rich Tu, a Webby Award recipient, is grateful to represent both New York and New Jersey because, in a way, he feels he’s representing the whole world through his art. CONTRIBUTED

“I wanted that flower to serve as a connecting element, a reminder that even in such a massive, global event, there’s a piece of my heritage present — adding a layer of cultural flair and meaning.”

The sampaguita, known for its delicate fragrance and cultural significance in the Philippines, is incorporated into the poster design as a floral motif, emphasizing the Filipino artist behind the artwork.

Tu’s diverse upbringing and cultural influences are woven into his art. “I have full Filipino heritage, grew up in New Jersey and have been living in New York for almost two decades. This area is incredibly diverse — you feel a bit of everyone and everything. It’s a melting pot, and that’s reflected in my work.”

A Webby Award honoree, Tu is grateful to represent both New York and New Jersey because, in a way, he feels he’s representing the whole world through his art. “It’s a privilege to bring that perspective to such a globally significant event.”

His design aims to resonate both locally and globally. “I hope the poster connects with people on different levels, both here and around the world. The design is intentionally layered, working from the inside out, to tell a story that’s deep and meaningful.”

His hope, he says, is that it becomes a symbol that remains in people’s minds long after the tournament ends — a visual memory of what will be a historic moment in sports and culture.

“With the finals set to be hosted right here in NY/NJ, I want this poster to be part of the tapestry of the event — a visual narrative that links the local with the global.”

Meanwhile, aside from Tu, it’s worth mentioning that the Filipino creative community is making a significant mark on FIFA World Cup 2026.

For the first time in history, three Filipino creatives are part of this milestone, as announced by SoCal Filipinos on their Instagram page.

 Besides Tu, DJ Flict from Los Angeles crafted LA’s official FIFA 26 Sonic ID, blending mariachi trumpets with West Coast hip-hop to create a sound uniquely LA-inspired.

LeRoid David from San Francisco designed the Bay Area Host City poster, capturing the spirit of innovation, diversity and sport — from the Golden Gate Bridge to Levi’s Stadium.

When asked about the message behind his work, Tu, who has previously collaborated with MTV, Nike, The New York Times and The New Yorker, emphasized the importance of energy and personal meaning.

“I want people to feel the energy of the work, to see it as more than just a picture — I want it to evoke feelings, memories, and even inspire. I believe events like the World Cup have the power to create symbols that transcend the moment.”

The podcast host and co-founder of the COLORFUL Awards also hopes his poster becomes one of those symbols — something people can look back on and see not just the design, but the story behind it, rooted in heritage, unity and hope.

“It’s truly an honor to be part of a tradition that celebrates the world coming together through sport and art.”