McDonald’s has launched a global campaign ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 welcoming fans worldwide – including some of the most iconic names in football – to celebrate the game’s biggest moments together, turning a shared passion into global energy you can taste, see and feel.
From iconic footballers kicking off with a bite of from a menu favorite, to supporters keeping calm during a nail-biting penalty kick with our World-Famous Fries, McDonald’s has long been part of matchday rituals shared by fans everywhere.
Now, global football stars, including David Beckham, Lamine Yamal, Ronaldinho Gaucho, Thierry Henry and Heung-Min Son, as well as McDonald’s have shared their fond memories of McDonald’s.
Former England footballer David Beckham said, “Football is about much more than what happens on the pitch. Campaigns such as this bring fans and families together and build the excitement – both in the lead up and during the FIFA World Cup tournament.”
Spain footballer Lamine Yamal said, “Only at McDonald’s do I get to team up with Grimace – he’s got flow. Working with McDonald’s means celebrating the World Cup in a fun way – good food, good energy and sharing those moments with family, friends and fans.”
FIFA World Cup winner with Brazil Ronaldinho Gaúcho said, “The FIFA World Cup 26™ is about football, joy, and bringing people together. McDonald’s also brings people together and makes people happy, so it’s exciting to be part of bringing them together in the campaign.”
FIFA World Cup winner with France Theirry Henry said, “McDonald’s reminds me of home. The McDonald’s in Les Ulis was one of the first in the area, and growing up it was part of everyday life in the community. It wasn’t just about the food – it was a place people came together.”
South Korean footballer Heung-Min Son said, “McDonald’s was one of the places I went to when I moved to LA, and it helped a new place feel familiar right away. No matter where you are, it can make you feel closer to home.”
McDonald’s on the FIFA World Cup 2026 pitch
McDonald’s is also stepping onto the pitch with digital experiences.
The brand is offering fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the FIFA World Cup excitement with exclusive digital experiences, interactive moments and surprises that are yet to be revealed.
Customers that have the McDonald’s App will also be brought closer to the World Cup action with exclusive offers, fun games and special rewards when they order the meal through the McDonald’s app.
Morgan Flatley, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of New Business Ventures at McDonald’s, said, “At McDonald’s, magic happens when families, friends, and fans come together and celebrate with the people they love. Partnering with the FIFA World Cup 26™ allows us to take that shared joy and bring it to life at a global scale through our food, our experiences, and the ways fans connect with the game.”
Flatley added, “As football icons take the field to unite fans across continents, McDonald’s will be there from the first whistle to the final minute with limited-time meals and keepsakes so fans of all ages can be part of the excitement all tournament long and beyond.”
Walid Fakih, Chief Executive Officer at McDonald’s UAE, added, “With over 200 nationalities in the UAE, every team has a home crowd here. This creates an atmosphere during the FIFA World Cup that is truly unique to the nation. McDonald’s UAE is excited to be part of the celebrations, and we look forward to creating lasting memories with the community.”
Whether consumers and fans are cheering from the couch or a star player on the pitch, every fan can score big this year with the limited-time FIFA World Cup 26™ Meal and Happy Meal – including collectible keepsakes – available at McDonald’s UAE restaurants and on the McDonald’s App.
Families and young fans can also join the match day magic with the FIFA World Cup 26™ Happy Meal and one of 23 of Squishmallows™ most popular plushies kitted in tournament-inspired jerseys
