Rich Tu breaks down the vibrant symbolism behind his FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ Official Poster, starting with the patchwork soccer ball at the center—representing the global fandom of the sport. The ball is nestled within the torch of the Statue of Liberty, bridging New York and New Jersey. Surrounding details—like an apple for the Big Apple, florals for the Garden State, a slice of pizza, and a pair of dice—speak to personal and cultural memories, including childhood trips from South Orange to Atlantic City. The color palette is equally meaningful: teal nods to Lady Liberty, while orange pays homage to local sports and Tu’s hometown roots in South Orange. Photo courtesy of FIFA World Cup NYNJ
AS the world gears up for the largest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history, a trio of Filipino American artists are making their mark on the global stage — infusing the world’s biggest sporting event with powerful expressions of identity, heritage, and creative vision. Set to unite 48 teams, 16 cities, and billions of fans across three host nations, FIFA World Cup 26 will kick off on June 11, 2026, and culminate with the Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026.
Rich Tu, a creative designer from New York; LeRoid David, a visual artist from San Francisco; and Chris “DJ Flict” Aparri, a music producer from Los Angeles, have been chosen to represent their respective host cities through official FIFA World Cup projects. Their work not only highlights their hometowns but also showcases the creativity and influence of Filipino Americans in the arts and entertainment industry.
Rich Tu: Love letter to New York and New Jersey
Rich Tu, the artist behind the FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ Official Poster, is a first-generation Filipino American creative force whose work embodies the vibrant, multicultural energy of the New York-New Jersey region. Raised in New Jersey and now based in Brooklyn, Tu is an award-winning designer and artist whose career spans leadership roles at Nike, MTV Entertainment Group, and Jones Knowles Ritchie.
Rich’s official World Cup poster is a love letter to both his roots and his community, blending iconic symbols from NY and NJ — like the Statue of Liberty’s torch, the Big Apple, and Atlantic City’s dice — with universal motifs of global football fandom. He said he was inspired by the two states which he calls home.
His thoughtful color palette and intricate linework (including nods to the Philippines through the sampaguita flower) turn the poster into more than just a visual — it’s a personal narrative. From Times Square to Jersey City, the launch of Rich’s work marks a powerful kickoff for FIFA 26™ in a region that truly lives and breathes diversity, energy, and sport.
Rich expressed his sentiments about the project on his social media and called a recent Good Day New York guesting as “peak life moment,” saying that he is grateful for the incredible opportunity.
Rich Tu putting the finishing touches to the official NYNJ FIFA World Cup 26 on a wall in Jersey City. Photos courtesy of FIFA World Cup NYNJ
He shared memories of him as a kid growing up in South Orange and his family would take trips to Atlantic City every summer. This is why a dice made it to the poster, a nod to AC’s casinos. He also left some Easter eggs like the apple for New York, the florals for New Jersey, pizza, orange as a reference to his hometown and teal as a direct reference to the Statue of Liberty. Additionally, football/soccer elements like a cleat and a net pattern are also embedded within the image.
“Some of my signature linework that’s a callback to earlier pieces which celebrate the sampaguita flower, which is the national flower of the Philippines serve as connecting elements between all the pieces,” he shared.
LeRoid David: Bridging cultures through art
LeRoid David’s creation presents a bold, layered aesthetic incorporating two of the region’s most recognizable landmarks—the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge—emerging from the Bay Area’s signature fog. At the heart of the poster, Levi’s Stadium, host to six FIFA World Cup 26 matches, is highlighted alongside vibrant patterns and colors that reflect the community’s diversity and energy. Photos courtesy of FIFA World Cup BAHC
For Bay Area artist LeRoid David, being selected as the official designer for the FIFA World Cup 26 SF Bay Area Host City Poster is both a personal achievement and a milestone for the local Filipino American community. The Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC) conducted a region-wide search for an artist whose work could encapsulate the spirit of the Bay Area while celebrating the world’s biggest sporting event. LeRoid’s vibrant and layered design was ultimately chosen, capturing the essence of the region through iconic imagery such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and Levi’s Stadium, which will host six World Cup matches.
“This piece is all about connection — bridging cultures, cities, and the world through football,” said David. “I wanted to represent the Bay Area as a hub of innovation, art, and sport, where fans from all over the world will come together to celebrate.”
A second-generation Filipino American, LeRoid has built an impressive career as a visual storyteller. A graduate of San Francisco State University, his work has been featured by major Bay Area sports teams, including the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, and San Francisco 49ers. His artistic journey began with illustrations for Filipino American films such as Lumpia and Lumpia with a Vengeance, as well as designing graphics for NBC Sports Bay Area. Through his work, he continues to amplify Filipino American representation in the art and design world.
Chris “DJ Flict” Aparri: Giving Los Angeles a soundtrack
On the other side of California, Grammy-nominated multi-platinum producer and songwriter Chris “DJ Flict” Aparri is bringing his musical expertise to FIFA World Cup 26 as the creator of the Official Los Angeles Sonic ID. This audio signature captures the dynamic energy of Los Angeles, blending mariachi trumpets with West Coast hip-hop to produce a sound that represents the city’s multicultural vibrancy.
“Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, and style. My challenge in creating the Los Angeles Sonic ID was producing a FIFA World Cup anthem that would resonate with Angelenos and people around the world. I want everyone to feel included when they hear it,” said DJ Flict. “My goal was to create a universal voice to bring everyone together. I used a bold mariachi style trumpet mixed with a touch of west coast hip hop to accomplish that LA sound I wanted.”
Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum producer DJ Flict brings his genre-spanning talent to the FIFA World Cup 26 stage. Known for his work with legends like Lauryn Hill and hitmakers from Wiz Khalifa to Meghan Trainor, Flict continues to shape the sound of global music. Photos courtesy of @djflict
Born in Quezon City, Philippines, DJ Flict moved to the United States at a young age and eventually settled in Southern California. With a background in both music and sports, he developed his craft by working with artists spanning multiple genres, from Lauryn Hill and Wiz Khalifa to pop icons Meghan Trainor and Fifth Harmony. His ability to seamlessly blend cultural influences has made him a sought-after producer, and now, his FIFA World Cup project cements his status as a defining musical voice in the Los Angeles sports and entertainment scene.
A historic moment for representation
The selection of Tu, David and DJ Flict for these high-profile projects underscores the growing visibility and influence of Filipino Americans in the creative industries. Through their work, they are not only representing their cities but also their heritage, bringing Filipino American artistry to a global audience. As FIFA World Cup 26 prepares to unite fans from all over the world, the contributions of these three artists will stand as lasting reminders of the rich cultural diversity that defines New York and New Jersey, the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
With their designs and music set to reach millions, Tu, David and DJ Flict are making history, proving that Filipino American artists have a powerful voice in the world’s biggest sporting event.
NY and NJ joining forces
The New York New Jersey (NYNJ) region will host the FIFA World Cup 26 Final, along with seven other matches, at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This cements NYNJ’s place on the global stage as a premier destination for major international sporting events.
In addition to the matches, the NYNJ region will deliver unprecedented fan experiences, making it a hub of excitement and celebration for millions of local and international fans.
Beyond the thrill of the game, the economic and social impact of hosting will be significant. Matches at MetLife Stadium are expected to generate over $2 billion in economic activity and support more than 14,000 jobs in the region. With over 1 million visitors projected — half of whom may not even hold match tickets — the event promises to boost tourism, hospitality, and local businesses. The successful bid is the result of strong collaboration between New York and New Jersey leadership, showcasing NYNJ’s readiness to deliver a safe, seamless, and world-class tournament.
