From Barcelona to the FIFA World Cup: A Spelman Student’s Full-Circle Moment

Eva Jernigan’s Study Abroad Experience in Spain Made Carrying the Spanish Flag at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Especially Meaningful

Spelman College student Eva Jernigan, C’2029, had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve as a Coca-Cola Flag Bearer at the FIFA World Cup Final 2026™ this past July at New York New Jersey Stadium (otherwise known as MetLife Stadium).

Jernigan, the 2025 Boys & Girls Club of America Southeast Youth of the Year, was selected as a Coca-Cola Flag Bearer through a partnership between The Coca-Cola Company, FOX Sports and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. She received this honor along with 11 other Boys & Girls Club teens from across the country.

Ahead of the final World Cup match, Jernigan carried the Spanish flag, an assignment that held special significance: two months earlier, she studied abroad in Barcelona through a Spelman program. Carrying Spain’s flag connected her international experience as a Spelman student with her role on one of the world’s largest stages, bringing two defining moments of her year together in an unexpected and memorable way.

Jernigan’s experience was recently highlighted in an interview with FOX 5 Atlanta. Click here to view the full segment and learn more about Jernigan’s role in the World Cup Final.