Ocean County Opens Student Design Competition for 2026 World Cup Logo

Ocean County's Department of Tourism kicked off a logo contest. High school and college kids can submit their artwork. The winning piece will showcase the county during the 2026 World Cup.

Want to enter? You'll need to live or attend school in Ocean County. Each submission must be original work created by the student, and it has to include three specific words: "Ocean County," "World Cup," and "2026."

There are rules. No FIFA trademarks allowed. Files must arrive in high-resolution formats — PNG, JPG, or TIFF work best.

The 2026 World Cup arrives in New Jersey next year, bringing soccer fans from across the globe. The winning logo will appear on promotional items, signs, and marketing materials connected to the county's participation in tournament festivities.

Submissions close Nov. 30. Students should email their work to OCTourism@co.ocean.nj.us.

Here's something new: officials will scan artwork using AI-detection tools. Why? They want to confirm each entry comes from an actual student, not a computer program.

One winner gets announced on Dec. 6. That student's creation will represent the county on multiple platforms as preparations ramp up for hosting international visitors.

This contest hands local students something rare — a shot at connecting their work to a worldwide sporting event. Their design might become the visual identity for Ocean County's World Cup marketing push, showing up on websites, banners, and everything in between.

The application process? Simple. Create your design. Email it before the month ends. Done.

New Jersey hosts matches during next year's tournament, and this competition lets young artists tie their creativity to that moment while putting their home county on an international map.