2026 World Cup
3D animation to celebrate the 2026 World Cup
The Challenge
Reimagine this year’s world cup in the form a classic game of Subuteo.
To show 2026’s World Cup heroes we individually modelled over 20 of the most influential and popular players in their country’s home kits.
Our Approach
As an internal studio production, we had the freedom to push the style in any direction. We chose to mimic traditional stop-motion animation, mixing 2s and 1s to create a more handcrafted and tactile feel.
All the character models were carefully crafted and sculpted by our team, while the players’ textures were hand-painted in Procreate to add to the handmade aesthetic.
In an increasingly AI-driven world, we also made a conscious decision not to use AI, allowing us to further celebrate the craft and character of traditional animation techniques.
All the character models were carefully crafted and 3D sculpted by our team, while the players’ textures were hand-painted in Procreate to give them a more authentic, handcrafted feel.
People & Skills
Creative Director: Jon Hickley
Creative Support: Jonathan Lax
3D Modelling: Jon Hickley & Ollie Walash
Animation: Jon Hickley & Jonathan Lax
Music & SFX: Alasitair Lax
Character Animation
Environment Design
3D Art Direction
Digital Sculpting
Stylised texturing and lighting
Procreate