Vancouver's 'laughing men' statues suit up in FIFA World Cup nations' jerseys
One of Vancouver’s most recognizable public art installations has joined the growing excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The iconic “A-maze-ing Laughter” sculptures — also informally known as the “Laughing Men” sculptures — next to English Bay Beach have been temporarily adorned with soccer jerseys representing several nations confirmed to play group-stage matches in Vancouver during the tournament.
The colourful display, spearheaded by the West End Business Improvement Association (BIA), has transformed the beloved landmark into a vibrant celebration of the world’s most popular sport and its premier international event.
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The installation, situated at Morton Park where Denman Street meets Davie Street, features 14 larger-than-life bronze figures created by internationally renowned Chinese artist Yue Minjun. Known for their exaggerated laughing expressions and playful atmosphere, the statues have become one of Vancouver’s most photographed landmarks since they were installed at the prominent location just before the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Very recently, a few of the laughing figures began wearing actual clothing, with five statues sporting jerseys representing Qatar, Egypt, Belgium, Australia, and New Zealand — countries that will be playing at BC Place Stadium. Some of the other statues are now holding soccer balls and replicas of the FIFA World Cup Trophy in their hands.
A-maze-ing Laughter statues wearing the jerseys of FIFA World Cup nations playing in Vancouver, as seen on June 3, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
A-maze-ing Laughter statues wearing the jerseys of FIFA World Cup nations playing in Vancouver, as seen on June 3, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
A-maze-ing Laughter statues wearing the jerseys of FIFA World Cup nations playing in Vancouver, as seen on June 3, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
A-maze-ing Laughter statues wearing the jerseys of FIFA World Cup nations playing in Vancouver, as seen on June 3, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
A-maze-ing Laughter statues wearing the jerseys of FIFA World Cup nations playing in Vancouver, as seen on June 3, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
A-maze-ing Laughter statues wearing the jerseys of FIFA World Cup nations playing in Vancouver, as seen on June 3, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
A-maze-ing Laughter statues wearing the jerseys of FIFA World Cup nations playing in Vancouver, as seen on June 3, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
Previous Canada jersey; A-maze-ing Laughter statues wearing the jerseys of FIFA World Cup nations playing in Vancouver. (West End BIA)
When Daily Hive Urbanized visited the statues on Wednesday morning, noticeably absent from the temporary makeover were jerseys representing Canada and Switzerland, which are also confirmed to play at BC Place Stadium. However, Teri Smith, executive director of the West End BIA, told Daily Hive Urbanized on Thursday that replacement jerseys are currently being made.
In 2024, during the NHL playoffs run, the statues were also dressed in Vancouver Canucks jerseys — until an arsonist set the jerseys on fire, prompting a police investigation.
Even without the complete jersey set, there was more than enough visual interest to draw passersby to the statues and connect them with the teams playing in Vancouver.
Moreover, early last month, local artists Jake Johnston and Drip & Roll completed a new on-street mural at the 1800 Davie Street Plaza, immediately adjacent to the statues. The inviting public space features patio seating and is set to host a variety of markets and community events throughout the summer.
New on-street mural at the 1800 Davie Street Plaza next to the A-maze-ing Laughter statues, as seen on June 3, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
New on-street mural at the 1800 Davie Street Plaza next to the A-maze-ing Laughter statues, as seen on June 3, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
New on-street mural at the 1800 Davie Street Plaza next to the A-maze-ing Laughter statues, as seen on June 3, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
New on-street mural at the 1800 Davie Street Plaza next to the A-maze-ing Laughter statues, as seen on June 3, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
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A-maze-ing Laughter was originally installed at the location as a temporary public art exhibit in 2009 for the Vancouver Biennale. Due to its popularity, the installation was spared relocation and made permanent in 2012 following a $1.5 million donation from the family of lululemon founder Chip Wilson to purchase the sculptures.
A growing number of temporary installations celebrating the FIFA World Cup have been rolled out in recent weeks, including the “Soccerscape” installation by Downtown Van — the business improvement association for Downtown Vancouver — at Robson Square. The installation features oversized soccer balls suspended above the plaza, including colourful balls representing all nations confirmed to play in Vancouver, as well as the tournament’s other host countries, the United States and Mexico.
On Wednesday, the transformation of Science World’s geodesic dome into a giant replica of the official adidas Trionda match soccer ball for the FIFA World Cup reached 100 per cent completion.
And in Yaletown, this past weekend, the “Beautiful Game” FIFA World Cup murals reached completion, featuring an on-street mural at Helmcken Plaza and half a dozen murals featuring over 50 global soccer stars. This was commissioned by the Yaletown Business Improvement Association.
“Soccerscape” public art installation at the Robson Square plaza for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Kenneth Chan)
“Soccerscape” public art installation at the Robson Square plaza for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Kenneth Chan)
“Soccerscape” public art installation at the Robson Square plaza for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Kenneth Chan)
Adidas FIFA World Cup Trionda soccer ball transformation of Science World, as seen on June 4, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
Adidas FIFA World Cup Trionda soccer ball transformation of Science World, as seen on June 4, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
“Beautiful Game” FIFA World Cup murals at Yaletown’s Helmcken Plaza. (Kenneth Chan)
“Beautiful Game” FIFA World Cup murals at Yaletown’s Helmcken Plaza, as seen on June 1, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
“Beautiful Game” FIFA World Cup murals at Yaletown’s Helmcken Plaza, as seen on June 1, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)
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