The 2026 World Cup is already bigger than the fixtures, with headlines moving across politics, economics, sponsorship and fan culture before the tournament begins.
As the competition approaches across the United States, Mexico and Canada, brands are turning football’s biggest month into a global marketing race.
McDonald’s has now entered that race with a campaign built around nostalgia, collectibles and a line-up that mixes legends with one of the game’s brightest young stars.
McDonald’s unveils star-studded FIFA World Cup meal campaign
McDonald’s says its limited-time FIFA World Cup 26 Meal will roll out from June 9 at participating restaurants, with one of seven collectible cups included.
The cup line-up features Alphonso Davies, David Beckham, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Thierry Henry, Heung-Min Son, Lamine Yamal and the mascot Grimace, giving the campaign a deliberately wide appeal.
Fabrizio Romano also pushed the campaign in his familiar transfer style, posting in a paid partnership that Yamal, Ronaldinho, Beckham, Son and Henry had “signed” with McDonald’s.
The renowned Italian journalist wrote on X: “Lamine Yamal, Ronaldinho, Beckham, Son and Henry have signed with McDonalds: HERE WE GO confirmed!”
The promotion also includes a FIFA World Cup 26 Happy Meal, with 23 Squishmallows plush toys wearing tournament-inspired jerseys and a scannable code unlocking a digital game.
McDonald’s says fans can also add a limited-time Golden McFlurry, while app offers and selected in-person experiences will support the wider campaign.
The strategy is obvious. The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, so the fast-food company is using the final build-up to turn matchday anticipation into collectible demand.
