McDonald’s has assembled an all-star team of soccer players from around the globe for its biggest-ever World Cup push.
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the global marketing push brings together David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Son Heung-min, and Lamine Yamal to introduce the restaurant’s FIFA World Cup 26 Meal.
A 60-second spot headlines the campaign, opening with archival footage from each of the players’ illustrious careers. It then cuts to present-day comedic vignettes of them at a McDonald’s location, where they interact with McDonald’s mascots, like Grimace and the Hamburglar.
By the end, each player holds and admires their own version of six commemorative cups that come with the meal.
“Football is about much more than what happens on the pitch. Campaigns like this bring fans and families together and build the excitement in the lead up and during the FIFA World Cup tournament,” said Beckham in a statement.
The FIFA World Cup 26 Meal will start rolling out across 100 markets on Thursday, June 4 and will be available globally by Tuesday, June 9.
North American host countries will have their own special collectible cups featuring local players: Mexico will center Santiago Giménez, the United States will celebrate Christian Pulisic, and Canada will have Alphonso Davies. Customers in the U.S. will have access to all nine cups.
A series of social spots expands the playful campaign, with one featuring a close-up of Ronald McDonald’s shoe juggling a soccer ball with the text “ronald.” The shot widens to reveal it’s actually Ronaldinho and the text is revised accordingly.
McDonald’s is also debuting the FIFA World Cup 26 Happy Meal, adding a soccer theme to its classic kid’s meal. The quick-serve restaurant has teamed up with Squishmallows, the stuffed toy company, to include one of 23 plushies wearing tournament-inspired jerseys in each meal.
McDonald’s has been a sponsor of the FIFA World Cup since 1994.
