Rio Artisan Crafts Thousands of World Cup Replicas as Brazil Chases Glory

RIO DE JANEIRO - Jarbas Meneghini has produced more than 3,000 plaster replicas of the World Cup trophy from his workshop near the Maracana stadium, helping fans celebrate Brazil's quest for a sixth title at the 2026 tournament.

The 58-year-old craftsman started the business after seeing Brazil captain Dunga lift the trophy in 1994. "I saw Dunga holding the trophy and said I would buy one, but you can't find it anywhere," he said. "So I decided to make it myself."

Meneghini now exports handmade replicas to 17 countries across the Americas and Europe. Production rises each World Cup cycle, and he's already made 600 trophies ahead of this year's tournament in Mexico, Canada and the U.S., up from the usual 100 to 200.

"Brazil have gone a long time without winning it," Meneghini said. "Hope is in our hearts again."