Just around the corner! 2026 World Cup featuring a record 48 teams. Who’s your team?

The first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is just weeks away - Thursday, June 11, 2026 at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Between the favorable time zones and Seattle being one of the host cities, I’m actually pretty fired up to watch it. And if ticket prices come down enough, maybe I'll even catch a match or two in person...

While Lionel Messi hasn’t officially committed yet, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t make one more run. If he does, watching both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in what could be their final World Cup - going up against the next wave of stars - would be pretty special.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup getting close, I’ve been adding a few pieces to my soccer collection.

Here’s a few, a little bit of everything.

For me, this is what collecting around a World Cup is all about—capturing different eras at once… the legends, the current icons, and the next wave that could take over the world stage.

Some of these might stay long term, some might move depending on how things play out—but right now it’s just about building a lineup that makes sense heading into the biggest tournament in the sport.

Which player are you most excited to watch heading into the World Cup?

Drop a card you’ve picked up recently—I’m always looking to see what everyone else is stacking right now.

2024–25 Topps Chrome Sapphire UCC – Image Variation (PSA 10)

Geovany Quenda rookie card from one of the most collector-driven soccer products in the hobby right now.

Sapphire continues to carry strong demand thanks to its limited print runs and premium finish, and image variations add an extra layer of scarcity beyond the base checklist. Pair that with a PSA 10 grade, and you’ve got a clean, high-end example for anyone tracking emerging prospects.

Quenda is part of the Sporting CP system, a club well known for developing top-tier talent that eventually moves onto the global stage. Cards like this tend to attract attention early from prospect-focused collectors, especially when they combine rookie status, condition, and variation appeal.

If you have an Arena Club account and you’d like to trade for PSA Graded Dodgers slabs or buy it outright - view my showroom here:

https://arenaclub.com/showrooms/eddogg01