Soccer Style: Trendy World Cup Merch and Google Doodles Unite

WHO:

Cosmopolitan - The author identifies as a sporty girl and attended Team USA’s opening match against Paraguay.

Fast Company - Jonathan Johnsongriffin is the VP of global brand and creative at Google.

WHAT:

Cosmopolitan - The author wore an American flag tank, soccer jersey, and red strappy kitten heels to the match.

Fast Company - Google debuted 69 unique doodles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including 28 unique pieces of art.

Fast Company - The doodles were designed to resonate with fan chatter and were part of one of Google’s most extensive doodle projects for a single sporting event.

Fast Company - Google’s doodles included easter eggs that appeared after key highlights in the games.

WHERE:

Cosmopolitan - The match took place in Los Angeles.

Fast Company - The doodles were rolled out across more than 180 markets.

WHEN:

Fast Company - The doodles launched on June 11, the opening day of the tournament.

Fast Company - The first goal of the World Cup was scored by Mexico's Julián Quiñones on June 11.

Fast Company - An animation of a character blocking shots was triggered after Cape Verde's goalie Vozinha made saves against Spain on June 15.

Fast Company - Lionel Messi set the all-time World Cup scoring record on June 22.

WHY:

Fast Company - Google aimed to create designs that would resonate strongly with fan chatter and reflect the energy of the streets and stadiums.

HOW:

Fast Company - Google’s team began the doodle design process in January by analyzing past World Cup trends and Google search results.

Fast Company - The doodles were designed to capture fans’ home team pride and included illustrations of official federation badges and local cultural motifs.

Fast Company - Google embedded easter eggs in search to respond to unpredictable moments during the tournament.

(UPDATED July 6, 2026 19:34 UTC)

In a vibrant display of team spirit, a sporty girl attended Team USA’s opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles, sporting an American flag tank, soccer jersey, and red strappy kitten heels. Meanwhile, Google has launched an impressive collection of 69 unique doodles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, designed to resonate with fan chatter and reflect the energy of the tournament, which began on June 11. These doodles, rolled out across more than 180 markets, include easter eggs that activate after key highlights in the games, showcasing moments like Mexico's Julián Quiñones scoring the first goal and Lionel Messi setting the all-time World Cup scoring record.