Football rivals reunite at Rockefeller Center as the LEGO Group kicks off the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 26 Final

BILLUND, DENMARK 17th JULY 2026: With the FIFA World Cup 26™ semi-finals complete and the final just days away, the LEGO Group is bringing together football legends representing each of the two finalist teams – Xavi Hernández from Spain and Javier Mascherano from Argentina - at Rockefeller Center, New York City, to celebrate 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 8.47-metres and built from more than 1.36 million LEGO bricks. The spectacular installation was officially unveiled on 6 July by Brazilian football legend Cafu, kicking off the LEGO Group's celebrations ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26 Final™.

Now, as anticipation reaches its peak following the semi-finals, 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 FIFA World Cup Final™.

Having spent their careers competing at the highest level, the pair will come together to demonstrate that while rivalries define the game on the pitch, a shared love of football and the spirit of play brings people together beyond it.

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."

Speaking about the experience, Javier Mascherano said: "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.