The World Cup trophy will be transported to the New York-New Jersey stadium in ​a bespoke Louis Vuitton trunk, with the French luxury ‌fashion house once again entrusted with designing the carry case for the most coveted prize in soccer.

The trunk features a golden V for “Victory” – ​and “Vuitton” – across the front, with the brand’s recognisable monogram ​pattern and gold-plated brass corner protectors.

The interior is ⁠lined with beige leather and features a patch commemorating the ​partnership between Louis Vuitton and FIFA.

It is the fifth successive ​occasion in which the French company has designed a trunk for the trophy, following those used at the 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

“For ​over a decade, Louis Vuitton and FIFA have shared ​an unwavering commitment to excellence, bound by a shared belief in sport’s ‌power ⁠to inspire and bring people together,” Louis Vuitton CEO and Chairman Pietro Beccari said in a statement.

Luxury brands have long staked out their territory in professional sport, with Tiffany & Co. crafting ​the prize ​awarded to the ⁠Super Bowl champion — now known as the Vince Lombardi Trophy — since the first edition in ​1967.

Louis Vuitton also crafts bespoke luxury trophy trunks ​for ⁠major Grand Prix circuits under a 10-year deal with Formula 1.

But there is only one trophy for the quadrennial global showpiece – ⁠the ​prize typically resides at the FIFA ​Museum in Zurich – making the chance to design its bespoke luggage a particular ​honour.

World Cup replica trophy is displayed in a Louis Vuitton trophy trunk. New York City, U.S. – July 16, 2026 General view as a World Cup replica trophy is displayed in a Louis Vuitton trophy trunk. In a Louis Vuitton store in New York City REUTERS/Amy Tennery

Reuters

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U.S. President Donald Trump ​will attend the World Cup final ‌between Argentina and Spain at the New York-New Jersey stadium on Sunday, White House press secretary ​Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday.

“We ​look forward to the final match ⁠on Sunday, and I know ​the president looks forward to attending,” ​Leavitt told reporters at a press conference.

“His attendance will cap what has been the ​most watched, most secure, and ​most successful World Cup in American history.”

Leavitt ‌added ⁠that she did not know whether Trump had a favourite in the final but encouraged reporters to ​ask him. “I’m ​sure ⁠he’ll have a fun answer for you,” she said.

The ​U.S. president will also attend ​a ⁠FIFA reception at the Trump Tower in New York City on ⁠Friday, ​Leavitt added.

-Reuters

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By Kunle Solaja, New York

Numbers do not win football matches, but they can create irresistible narratives.

For Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, the number 19 has suddenly become the theme of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

The Barcelona star celebrated his 19th birthday only days before the tournament’s showpiece match. He wears the No. 19 jersey for Spain. And fittingly, the World Cup final against Argentina is scheduled for July 19.

Coincidence? Perhaps.

But as Spain prepare to face defending champions Argentina in Sunday’s final, many fans are wondering whether destiny has chosen this World Cup to become the coronation of football’s newest superstar.

At an age when many players are still finding their feet in professional football, Yamal has already established himself as one of the game’s most influential figures. The teenager has been at the heart of Spain’s march to the final, combining dazzling skill, maturity and fearless decision-making that belie his years.

Throughout the tournament, he has repeatedly demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the brightest talents world football has produced in recent decades. His ability to unlock defences, create chances and dictate the rhythm of matches has made him one of Spain’s most dangerous weapons.

What makes Yamal’s rise even more remarkable is the speed with which he continues to shatter records.

Since bursting onto the international stage, the winger has become accustomed to setting new age-related milestones. Every appearance seems to bring another record, another historic achievement and another reminder that football’s traditional timelines no longer apply to him.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has repeatedly trusted the youngster in the biggest moments, and Yamal has consistently rewarded that faith with performances of extraordinary composure.

Now the teenager stands just one match away from the ultimate prize.

A World Cup triumph would place Yamal among an elite group of players who have conquered football’s greatest tournament before reaching their 20th birthday. More importantly, it would cement his status as the leading figure of a new generation poised to dominate the global game.

Standing in Spain’s way, however, is an Argentina side inspired by Lionel Messi and seeking to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.

The final therefore presents a symbolic passing-of-the-torch moment. On one side is Messi, the legendary captain who has defined an era. On the other is Yamal, the teenager many believe could shape the next one.

Whether the recurring appearance of the number 19 proves prophetic remains to be seen.

What is certain is that Yamal has already rewritten expectations of what a teenager can achieve at the highest level of football. And if Spain lift the trophy on July 19, with their 19-year-old wearing No. 19 at the centre of the celebrations, the numbers will become part of World Cup folklore.

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