Days before the FIFA World Cup 2026 final kicks off, Puri beach in Odisha has been turned into a giant canvas celebrating the occasion. Padma Shri awardee and sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has carved a large sculpture there, sending a goodwill message to both finalists.
What the sculpture depicts
In the artwork, the FIFA World Cup trophy sits flanked by the flags of Spain and Argentina, beside the inscription "FIFA World Cup 2026 Good Luck For Final." Through the piece, Pattnaik has wished success to both sides set to contest the summit clash, with defending champions Argentina facing Spain in the final at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.
Shared with fans on X
Pattnaik posted images of the sculpture on the social media platform X, wishing both nations luck and tagging the post with hashtags including #FIFAWorldCup2026, #Spain, #Argentina, #Football, #WorldCupFinal and #ArtForSports.
Puri's beach as a recurring global stage
Pattnaik regularly uses Puri beach to mark major international events with large-scale sand art, and this sculpture is no exception. Puri's coastline has hosted several of his installations over the years, often built around themes of sport and global celebration, and this piece underlines India's cultural connection with this year's expanded, 48-team edition of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
A first-of-its-kind halftime show
The final will also be historic off the pitch. It will host the first official halftime show FIFA has ever organized for a World Cup final. Pop stars Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS are set to share the stage with Burna Boy and celebrated conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Coldplay's Chris Martin has curated the performance, called the FIFA World Cup 2026 Topps Final Halftime Show, set to air worldwide through official broadcasters. FIFA has said the event will bring together football, music and social impact as "the greatest show on Earth reaches its pinnacle." Organizers have pitched it as one of the most high-profile entertainment lineups ever assembled for a football final, reflecting how big the occasion has become both on and off the field.
Proceeds to fund children's education
The show is not just about entertainment. It will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is working to gather USD 100 million so children worldwide get better access to schooling and football programs. In doing so, FIFA is turning the final's biggest entertainment moment into a wider social cause, extending the tournament's reach beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch.
