Jul 02, 2018

World Cup 2018 - Day 18

This Doodle’s Key Themes

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is underway! Over the next month, players from the men's national teams of 32 countries will compete for top rank across 12 venues in 11 cities around the country. With a total of 64 matches (and plenty of GOOOALS!), the games will culminate at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 15.

This year's Doodle series celebrates the rich cultures and talent of all 32 participating countries by featuring guest artists hailing from each nation! Tune in to catch all 32 Doodles throughout the games, each illustrating the artist's interpretation of "What ⚽looks like in my country."

Today's Featured Artists

Belgium – Sam Vanallemeersch

Brazil – Pedro Vergani

Q: What does ⚽ mean in your country?

A: Football in Brazil is a state of mind, a moment when the country gathers to celebrate (or cry) together. It is an expression of an important part of our culture; it is art, rhythm, dance, hard work, teamwork, and a dash of cheekiness.

Japan – Shinji Tsuchimochi

Q: What does ⚽ mean in your country?
A: For Japan, football is a familiar sport that is used as a subject of comics and animation. Children playing football have their own dream of becoming a hero one day by touching such things.

Mexico – Valeria Alvarez

Q: What does ⚽ mean in your country?
A: In Mexico, soccer is passion, tradition, and magic. When the game starts, only one thing matters: the ball - more powerful than any social barrier.

Early sketches and drafts of the illustrations below

Belgium