Get ready for the biggest World Cup ever—and Sports Illustrated is celebrating it like never before. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams for the first time when it kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City, the iconic magazine has turned the global showdown into a massive art project. Think of it as a cultural passport: 48 illustrated digital covers, each created by an artist from a competing nation, plus four print editions that capture the spirit of the game through art, history, and national pride.

This isn't just about soccer stats and match predictions. Sports Illustrated is blending sports journalism with cultural storytelling, and the results are stunning. One cover imagines the French national team performing inside a Moulin Rouge-style cabaret, while another turns Mexico's players into modern-day warriors. For the U.S. edition, star Christian Pulisic takes center stage, surrounded by a fireworks-lit sea of fans. Every cover is a window into the traditions, geography, and folklore that make each nation unique—from ancient symbolism to national celebrations.

"We approached this issue as a hybrid of both sports journalism and cultural journalism," said Steve Cannella, Sports Illustrated's editor-in-chief. "The reporting is spearheaded by our SI FC editors, who bring soccer analysis and insights about each of the 48 competing teams. To complement that expertise, the artistic execution illuminates the culture of soccer in each nation—the history, traditions, geography, social institutions, and more that tell the story of the World Cup through each nation."

For creative director Stephen Skalocky, the goal was simple: make the World Cup feel personal and artistic, not just competitive. With the tournament drawing more viewers than the Olympics, these covers turn every match into a celebration of identity. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love great design, this collection is a must-see for anyone who believes soccer is more than a game—it's a global canvas.