MassArt’s Winning Design Kicks Off FIFA World Cup 26™ Boston

Head of the Charles. Boston’s Public Garden. Tall Ships.

Written by Rachael Dubinsky

These are just some of the many “Easter eggs” in faculty member and alumnus John Rego’s design for the Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Boston Poster. The poster, created in collaboration with current MassArt Illustration students, highlights notable Boston landmarks, historical elements, and traditional New England features. The design was inspired by John’s love for children’s book illustrations, comics, and cartoons, adding a whimsical touch to the theme of soccer.

Boston is the only city among the 11 North American FIFA World Cup Host Cities that collaborated with local colleges to create the official Boston Host City Poster (MassArt) and its signature Sonic ID (Berklee College of Music). This partnership with FIFA World Cup 26™ Boston illustrates the power of collaboration between education, art, and global events.

The Boston poster depicts an underwater soccer match, symbolizing the connection between Boston’s maritime heritage and its vibrant, modern city life. The playful underwater setting includes a lobster as the goaltender and an octopus (wearing soccer cleats on all eight arms) preparing for a kick. The scene represents the Boston Harbor with marine life playing soccer in the water, while the bustling waterfront and Boston skyline provide a stunning backdrop above.

When talking about the design process, John shared: “My students felt that Boston’s waterfront and its cityscape needed to be prominently featured. I took inspiration from a whale watching trip I went on and photos of the harbor to create an underwater scene that thematically represents Boston. There is also a lot of the city’s history represented with the Boston Tea Party, landmarks and attractions, and its industrial roots mixed in throughout.” 

The poster itself reflects Boston’s identity—its history, culture, and vibrancy—while celebrating the dynamic role of art in shaping public experiences. Designed to resonate with both locals and visitors, the design captures Boston’s unique personality in a fun and engaging way. 

Through this collaboration, MassArt has not only contributed to the visual identity of the tournament in Boston but also reaffirmed the significant role art plays in enhancing the cultural fabric of the city. This partnership is a meaningful demonstration of how local institutions can contribute to major international events, providing students with a unique chance to showcase their creativity on a global stage.

The FIFA World Cup 26™ will feature a set of 16 Official Host City Posters, serving as a visual representation of the shared love for the beautiful game within each Host City, taking place between Thursday, June 11, and Sunday, July 19, 2026. The Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Tournament Poster, celebrating the event across all Host Cities, will be revealed prior to the Final Draw, which is scheduled to take place later this year. Fans will be able to see each poster and learn more about the artists at FIFAWorldCup.com, with Boston-specific information available at www.BostonFWC26.com and on Instagram @FWC26Boston.