BILLUND, DENMARK – With the FIFA World Cup 26™ semi-finals complete and the final just days away, the LEGO Group brought together football legends representing each of the two finalist teams—Xavi Hernández from Spain and Javier Mascherano from Argentina—at Rockefeller Center in New York City. The meeting celebrated how the power of play can unite even the greatest rivals.
The appearance follows the unveiling of the world’s biggest-ever FIFA World Cup™ trophy, measuring an astonishing 8.47 meters and built from more than 1.36 million LEGO bricks. The spectacular installation was officially revealed on July 6 by Brazilian football legend Cafu, kicking off the LEGO Group’s celebrations ahead of the tournament’s climax.
As anticipation reached its peak, Xavi and Mascherano stood together in front of the iconic trophy build, putting past rivalries aside to celebrate the universal language of football and the joy of play. Echoing football’s iconic pre-match pennant exchange, the two legends swapped bespoke LEGO® pennants inspired by their home nations as a symbolic gesture of respect and unity ahead of the final.
Having spent their careers competing at the highest level, the pair demonstrated that while rivalries define the game on the pitch, a shared love of football and the spirit of play brings people together beyond it.
Legends on the Power of Play
Xavi Hernández said:
“Playing for your country is one of the greatest honours in football, and reaching a FIFA World Cup Final is something every player dreams of. Rivalries are part of what makes the game so special, but moments like this remind us that football is about bringing people together. Standing here with Mascherano in front of this incredible LEGO FIFA World Cup Trophy is a celebration of the passion, creativity and joy that the game inspires in fans of every generation.”
Javier Mascherano added:
“The FIFA World Cup creates memories that stay with you forever. It’s exciting to see the LEGO Group getting behind the tournament in such a unique way and creating an experience that everyone can enjoy. Exchanging these LEGO pennants is a great reminder that while we compete fiercely for our countries, our shared love of football is what connects us all.”
The activation forms part of the LEGO Group’s wider FIFA World Cup 26™ campaign, celebrating football through creativity, imagination, and play, while transforming one of the world’s most iconic sporting trophies into an unforgettable LEGO experience in the heart of New York City.