LEGO is preparing for a major football-themed push in 2026, unveiling two confirmed display sets for March 2026 while strong rumours point to a much larger, player-driven wave arriving later in May, with several dioramas been rumoured in the LEGO community – some details are available but more will follow in the coming months in the news section right here on BrickScoop. With football fever building ahead of the World Cup, LEGO’s latest releases suggest a deliberate shift toward premium, adult-focused sports display sets which prioritise display over traditional play, something which has been a common trend in the LEGO business plan over the last 2-4 years since the COVID pandemic with the rising popularity of LEGO, and the increasing numbers of AFOLs (Adult Fans of Lego).
The confirmed March sets from the newly named “Editions” line up include 43020 Football Trophy and 43019 Football With Stadium Inside — focus on universal icons of the sport. However, if the May rumours prove to be more than just that, then LEGO’s football range could soon expand to include dioramas and even wall-mounted art, marking its most ambitious sports theme to date.
March 2026: Confirmed Football Display Sets
43020 – Football Trophy
The headline release for March 2026 is going to be 43020 – Football Trophy, a large brick-built display model celebrating football’s most recognisable prize. Designed as a centrepiece rather than a playset, the build focuses on height, sculpted shaping and layered detailing to replicate the flowing form of the real-world trophy.
This set continues LEGO’s recent success with icon-style display models, appealing to builders who want something bold and instantly recognisable on a shelf. Rather than tying the set to a specific club or nation, LEGO has opted for a universal football symbol — a smart choice that allows the model to resonate with fans worldwide.
This set is currently available to view on the LEGO website. It’s going to have 2800+ pieces, will be a 12+ set and is due to ship some time in March – LEGO are accepting pre-orders right now.
43019 – Football With Stadium Inside
Taking a more playful and inventive approach, 43019 – Football With Stadium Inside delivers a clever dual-purpose design. From the outside, the model appears as a classic black-and-white football built using curved LEGO geometry, with additional pink and blue elements. Open it up, however, and a miniature football stadium is revealed inside.
The contrast between the clean exterior and the detailed interior makes this set a standout. It can be displayed closed for a subtle football aesthetic or opened to showcase the hidden stadium diorama, complete with pitch and stands at micro scale.
This type of “hidden interior” build has become increasingly popular with adult LEGO fans, and applying the concept to a football feels particularly on-theme.
This set is expected to be around 1498 pieces, be a 10+ set and will release in March.
LEGO and Football: Not New Territory
While the 2026 releases feel fresh, LEGO is no stranger to football-themed sets. In recent years, the company released highly detailed stadium models such as Camp Nou and Old Trafford, celebrating iconic venues associated with FC Barcelona and Manchester United.
Both stadiums have since retired and have become increasingly desirable on the secondary market — clear evidence that display-focused football LEGO has long-term appeal, with avid foot ball fans. I can see why the stadiums had the appeal they did, as they made the perfect display model for a fans’ favorite team, but the two new sets announced above have a lower appeal value in my opinion.
LEGO has also explored sports culture beyond football, most notably through its collaboration with Nike, including the basketball-inspired LEGO Nike Slam Dunk. That range demonstrated LEGO’s willingness to merge sport, design and lifestyle into collectible builds — a strategy that appears to be accelerating in 2026.
We also saw the release of the football table, set 21337, which has since retired and only available on the aftermarket – this one received less positive reviews overall from the fan community.
Rumoured May 2026 Sets: Footballers Take Centre Stage
Beyond March, rumours suggest May 2026 could bring a second wave focused on individual players — a major evolution for LEGO football sets and one which LEGO fans of football may be excited for.
2-in-1 Player Sculptures (Rumoured)
Two large, adjustable sculpture sets are believed to be in development:
- 43015 – Lionel Messi Sculpture (2-in-1)
- 43016 – Cristiano Ronaldo Sculpture (2-in-1)
These sets are expected to allow builders to choose between two different poses or expressions, offering customisation and replay value. If released, they would mark LEGO’s first full-scale sculptural representations of real footballers.
Player Dioramas (Rumoured)
Also rumoured is a series of smaller, action-focused diorama sets capturing iconic football moments:
- 43011 – Lionel Messi Diorama
- 43012 – Cristiano Ronaldo Diorama
- 43013 – Kylian Mbappé Diorama
- 43027 – Vinícius Júnior Diorama
These builds would likely focus on motion, celebration and storytelling, offering compact display options with strong visual impact. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen dioramas from LEGO, the Star Wars theme has seen several over the years, this is the first time we’ll see this in football though.
A Possible First: Football Enters LEGO Art
Perhaps the most intriguing rumour is a Lionel Messi LEGO Art set. If released, this would be the first time LEGO Art has focused on an individual sportsperson. Until now, the theme has centred on pop culture, music, film and abstract design — making a football-led art piece a significant milestone. LEGO Art has proved to be an extremely popular theme ever since the release of 31197 Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe, 31198 The Beatles, 31199 Marvel Studios Iron Man, 31200 Star Wars Sith in 2020.
Quick-Scan Price & Spec Table
| Set Number | Set Name | Release | Est. Price | Est. Pieces | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43020 | Football Trophy | March 2026 | £159.99 / $199.99 | ~2,800 | Large display model |
| 43019 | Football With Stadium Inside | March 2026 | £119.99 / $129.99 | ~1,500 | Hidden stadium interior |
| 43015 | Messi Sculpture (2-in-1) | May 2026* | TBC | TBC | Rumoured |
| 43016 | Ronaldo Sculpture (2-in-1) | May 2026* | TBC | TBC | Rumoured |
| 43011 | Messi Diorama | May 2026* | TBC | TBC | Rumoured |
| 43012 | Ronaldo Diorama | May 2026* | TBC | TBC | Rumoured |
| 43013 | Mbappé Diorama | May 2026* | TBC | TBC | Rumoured |
| 43027 | Vini Jr Diorama | May 2026* | TBC | TBC | Rumoured |
*Rumoured – not officially confirmed by LEGO.
Final Thoughts
With confirmed March releases and compelling May rumours, LEGO’s football range appears to be evolving into a multi-layered display theme — spanning icons, stadium concepts, player sculptures, dioramas and even wall art. For collectors and football fans alike, 2026 could be LEGO’s most exciting year for sports builds yet.
Which sets are you excited for? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Rumour Disclaimer
The information here is based on early reports, retailer listings and community speculation. LEGO has not officially confirmed all of these sets, and details such as pricing, piece counts, release dates and final designs may change or never materialise. As always, we recommend treating all rumours with caution until LEGO makes a formal announcement.