USPS unveils new soccer Forever stamp ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup kickoff
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup only weeks away, the United States Postal Service has introduced a new Forever stamp celebrating soccer and the excitement surrounding the international tournament. The North American Soccer Forever stamp was unveiled during the 2026 Boston World Exposition as the United States prepares to co-host the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico beginning June 11.
The upcoming tournament will make history as the first World Cup jointly hosted by three countries and the first expanded to include 48 teams. The United States is scheduled to host 78 matches across 11 cities, including the championship match in New Jersey on July 19.
USPS Chief Technology Officer Gary Reblin highlighted the excitement surrounding the event, noting that the tournament coincides with America’s 250th birthday celebration. Boston alone is expected to host seven World Cup matches, adding to the growing anticipation across the country.
The new stamp was designed by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá, who said his personal connection to soccer helped inspire the artwork. His daughter played the sport from childhood through college, helping shape the creative vision behind the design. The stamp features a soccer player striking a ball in midair alongside the iconic “gooooooooal” call commonly associated with soccer broadcasts and playground games around the world.
The famous elongated goal call originated with broadcasters in Latin America before becoming widely recognized internationally through announcer Andrés Cantor during the 1990 World Cup.
USPS also said the stamp pays tribute to the long history of soccer-like games in the United States. According to the agency, Native Americans played early ball-kicking games before European settlers arrived, while versions combining soccer, football, and rugby elements became popular in the early 19th century as rules continued evolving.
The North American Soccer Forever stamp carries the same value as a standard First-Class Mail one-ounce stamp, currently priced at 78 cents.
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