Portuguese company creates giant trophy for FIFA World Cup opening ceremony 

A Portuguese company played a starring role in the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, creating the giant 10-meter trophy that appeared at the center of the field before millions of viewers worldwide.

The trophy was designed and built by Air Designers, a creative engineering company based in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. Developed in secrecy over several months, the inflatable structure was unveiled during the ceremony at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium.

According to project director Paloma Perrone, the project combined artistic design with complex engineering requirements, including strict standards for safety, weight, movement, and inflation speed. The trophy, made from materials such as Lycra, PVC, and transparent polyester mesh, was designed to evoke traditional Mexican papel picado artwork through its semi-transparent appearance.

Although the structure stood 10 meters tall, it could be transported in a compact crate once deflated. Extensive testing was carried out in Portugal and Mexico to ensure the trophy could inflate in just over 10 seconds and synchronize perfectly with the ceremony’s choreography.

The project adds to Air Designers’ growing international portfolio, which includes creating La’eeb, the mascot featured at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar, as well as installations for major sporting and cultural events around the world.