Jarbas Meneghini Carlini, a former metallurgist in Rio de Janeiro, is producing thousands of replica FIFA World Cup trophies [1].
The artisan's work highlights the intense national anticipation surrounding the July 2026 World Cup, where Brazil hopes to end a championship drought.
Carlini operates his home studio in western Rio de Janeiro, located near the iconic Maracanã stadium [2]. As a lifelong supporter of the Brazilian national team, he uses his professional background in metallurgy to create detailed copies of the tournament's most coveted prize [2].
He has produced thousands of these replicas to date [1]. The items have attracted interest from local residents, and celebrities alike, leading to a surge in orders as the tournament approaches [3].
Carlini said he creates the trophies as a personal tribute to the sport and his country. His productivity is fueled by a firm belief that Brazil will win the actual trophy during the upcoming competition in July 2026 [2].
This confidence comes at a critical time for the national team. Brazil has not won a World Cup in over two decades [1]. For many fans, the physical presence of the replicas in the city serves as a visual manifestation of the hope that the team will return to the top of the global podium.
Carlini continues to work from his workshop, balancing his passion for soccer with the technical skills of his former trade [2].
“Jarbas Meneghini Carlini is producing thousands of replica FIFA World Cup trophies.”
The scale of Carlini's operation reflects the deep cultural intersection of soccer and national identity in Brazil. By producing these replicas ahead of the July 2026 tournament, the artisan taps into a collective psychological desire for victory after more than 20 years without a world title, turning a personal hobby into a symbol of national optimism.
