The 2019 Women’s World Cup is underway! Over the next month, players from the national teams of 24 countries will compete, with the final match in the biggest Women’s World Cup yet taking place on July 7th in Lyon, France.

We’re celebrating the eighth edition of the tournament with a series of Doodles by guest artists representing each of the competing countries to capture the local excitement of the competition, as well as what the event means to them personally.

Stay tuned for more from the artists, and best of luck to all the players!

Today's Featured Artist Q&A

with early sketches and photos of the artists

Q: What inspired the visual concept for your drawing? Is there anything specific you’d like to call out from your work?

Chile – Luisa Rivera

A: Women standing together, supporting each other in their individuality but also creating a unified energy from that collectiveness. Chile is an elongated country, so I depicted cultural elements to express our support of the team from north to south!

Sweden – Sara Andreasson

A: I drew inspiration from flat-packed furniture and the idea of cooperation and handiness, the latter being something I think a lot of Swedes take pride in. I also wanted to emphasize the Nordic climate and the midnight sun that the northernmost parts of the country are blessed with during the summer months. Some might notice that some of the characters are wearing flower wreaths. This is a nod to the midsummer festivities, a non-religious holiday that is all about getting together and celebrating nature.

Thailand – Banana Blah Blah

A: Football in Thailand has its own tradition: people love to go cheer for their favorite team with friends. Teenagers will meet and hang out to watch football together. Sometimes if any public place has a TV, people in that area can come together and cheer without knowing each other. This idea inspired me to create my work. I also added some Thai elements in the background to remind people around the world how unique Thailand is.

USA – Roxie Vizcarra

A: As an illustrator, I’ve always been deeply inspired by the historically female representations of Liberty (or Columbia, or Amerique — she has many names!) in art and illustration throughout the ages. Though noble, she is often elevated to the point of objectification. So for my Google Doodle, I sought to reclaim Liberty as a feminist symbol by recasting her as a strong and dynamic football player and a source of pride for her country. To me, there are few things more evocative of liberty and American values than women excelling in a traditionally male space!