Annie Leibovitz and Jorge Dorsinville Collaborate on FIFA World Cup 2026 Photography Series

Legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz has unveiled a new photography series for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, collaborating with movement director Jorge Dorsinville to capture the athletic artistry of U.S., Canadian, and Mexican soccer stars. The project, which reimagines the visual language of soccer, is on exhibit at Mexico City’s Museo Nacional de Antropología through August 30.

How Did Leibovitz and Dorsinville Translate Soccer Into Visual Storytelling?

Leibovitz, who highlighted the artistic athleticism of soccer players in a campaign for the 1986 FIFA World Cup, partnered with Dorsinville—a movement director with experience in fashion, music, and editorial projects—to “translate the language of soccer into a visual language that could live inside a still image,” Dorsinville said in an interview. The series features athletes like Christian Pulisic and Jonathan David mid-action, emphasizing their physicality and emotional presence.

Dorsinville, who has worked with Robyn, Balmain, and Chanel, explained that his role was to bridge the gap between competitive sports and editorial storytelling. By focusing on athletes’ natural movements—such as pre-game rituals, postures, and expressions—he aimed to reveal their “identity and humanity,” he added.

What Challenges Did the Project Pose for the Athletes?

While athletes are accustomed to performance-driven environments, Dorsinville noted that the editorial process required them to “step into a world very different from competitive sports.” The challenge lay in shifting their focus from results-oriented actions to expressive, narrative-driven movements. “Many approached it with the curiosity of artists,” he said, highlighting their openness to creative exploration.

The project’s goal, according to Leibovitz, was to “reveal something truthful about these athletes” beyond their public personas. By capturing moments of focus, pride, and determination, the photos aim to humanize the athletes while celebrating their physical artistry.

Why Does This Collaboration Matter in the Context of the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup, the largest in the tournament’s history, with 48 soccer teams gathering in North America. Leibovitz’s series aligns with this milestone, offering an artistic perspective on the event. The exhibition at Mexico City’s Museo Nacional de Antropología underscores the project’s ambition to merge sports, art, and global storytelling.

What Can Fans Expect From the Exhibition?

The photos, which include portraits of players like Obed Vargas, are part of a larger effort to celebrate the cultural impact of soccer. The exhibition, courtesy of Fundación Televisa, Fundación Coppel, and Fundación Diez Morodo, runs through August 30.

For fans, the series offers a glimpse into the intersection of sports and fine art. As Dorsinville noted, “Movement can reveal character in ways words sometimes cannot.”