City streets decorated for the World Cup could win an award.

Contest will encourage themed decorations to strengthen community integration, tourism and the Carioca spirit - Fabio Motta / Rio City Hall

The Rio de Janeiro City Hall will transform the Carioca passion for football into a great cultural and community celebration. The decree creating the Carioca Street Decoration Contest for the Football World Cup, "Believing is an Art – Rio in the Colors of the Hexa," was published in the Official Gazette this Thursday (May 28th). The contest will award prizes to the three best-decorated streets, alleys, or lanes in the city during the World Cup.

Inspired by the traditional popular mobilization that colors Rio's neighborhoods during the World Cups, the contest seeks to encourage community participation, strengthen the sporting spirit, value popular culture, and project Rio's image on the national and international stage.

– The World Cup has always had a special meaning in the streets of Rio. It's part of Carioca culture to see entire neighborhoods mobilized and decorated to create meeting spaces where everyone gathers to cheer together. Supporting this movement is to value a popular tradition, strengthen the feeling of belonging and show, once again, the capacity that Cariocas have to transform the city into a place of coexistence, celebration and pride – highlights the mayor of Rio, Eduardo Cavaliere.

Registration is free. Streets, neighborhoods, and alleyways located in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro are eligible to participate. Decorations must follow the theme of the World Cup, using elements related to the Brazilian National Team, the national colors, soccer, sports, and Brazilian culture.

The first place winner will receive a prize of R$ 50, the second place winner R$ 30, and the third place winner R$ 20. The twenty finalist streets will receive commemorative plaques recognizing their cultural heritage.

The evaluation will be carried out by a judging committee formed by representatives from the municipal secretariats of Culture, Civil Affairs, Government Coordination, and Sports. The official notice with the schedule, registration period, and supplementary rules will be published by the Municipal Secretariat of Culture by June 1, 2026.

Decorations must not obstruct pedestrian and vehicular traffic, urban accessibility, public safety, or the operation of public services.
The Brazilian national team is seeking its sixth World Cup title. Brazil won the titles in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002, and hosted the competition in 1950 and 2014—on both occasions, the final was held at the Maracanã stadium.

In 2027, Rio de Janeiro will also be one of the host cities for the FIFA Women's World Cup™, which will be held in Brazil for the first time.