Sports Illustrated Commissions 48 Artists for 48 World Cup Covers as Tournament Expands to 48 Teams
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · May 14
Sports Illustrated Commissions 48 Artists for 48 World Cup Covers as Tournament Expands to 48 Teams
6 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · May 14
Sports Illustrated unveiled a World Cup preview project built around 48 commissioned artists—one for each qualified nation—calling it one of the most ambitious efforts in the magazine’s history.
The concept shifts away from the usual superstar-led covers to highlight how the expanded 48-team tournament connects local communities and cultures across the globe.
Four countries—Argentina, France, Mexico and the United States—will appear as print magazine covers, while all 48 illustrations are being published online and across SI’s social channels.
The artwork ranges from player-centered tributes to Messi, Mbappé, Pulisic and Ronaldo to scenes of communal viewing, street football and national symbols, underscoring soccer’s local resonance ahead of this summer’s North America-hosted World Cup.
Is SI's artistic World Cup preview a cultural celebration or a clever strategy for its financial comeback?
Can the World Cup's 'beautiful game' narrative survive dire warnings about extreme heat and player safety?
With record profits projected, why are host cities and fans facing massive costs and serious safety risks?
48 Covers, 48 Nations: Inside Sports Illustrated’s Ambitious Art Project for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Overview
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches with a record 48 participating nations, Sports Illustrated has launched the '48 World Cup Covers Project.' This ambitious initiative features 48 unique digital covers and four special print editions, each designed to capture the global spirit and expanded scale of the tournament. The project blends sports journalism with rich cultural storytelling, celebrating the diverse identities of every competing nation. Each cover is carefully crafted to reflect the unique heritage and spirit of its team, offering fans an immersive and visually stunning experience that goes beyond the game itself.