The countdown to the biggest event of the summer is on and sports fans everywhere are anticipating the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Even your favorite brands like McDonald’s are getting in on the action with fun FIFA World Cup™-themed offerings, and gearing up to scream goooaaalllllll!
This high-octane tournament only happens once every four years, so football aficionados are ready to live it up, and not just on game days, but on the run-up, too. Whether you call it soccer or refer to it as fútbol, you won’t want to miss the moments that will have the whole world cheering, shouting, or sobbing. If you’re one of the lucky few with a ticket to experience a match in person somewhere in the U.S., Mexico, or Canada… we’re thrilled for you (insert sarcasm). But here’s the thing, you don’t have to be seated in a stadium, or even be a diehard fan, to experience the thrill of the FIFA World Cup™.Chances are your local bars and restaurants will be showing all the matches, and half the fun is feeling that global soccer fan energy. You can choose any team and let their colors inspire your next mani-pedi, hairdo, or game day ensemble. There’s plenty of FIFA World Cup™ gear for every level of fandom. From hats and scarves to T-shirts and jerseys, you can literally wear your love for the game on your sleeve. And whether you’re following every match or just showing up for the vibes, you can document the moment by securing limited-edition souvenirs, including all nine of McDonald’s FIFA World Cup™ Collectible Cups.
Wherever You Are, You’re In It
If you’re in the U.S., there will be no shortage of opportunities to engage, especially if you live in one of the 11 U.S. venue cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. FIFA Fan Festivals are being held in each venue city and are an ideal way to experience the world’s biggest sporting event without stepping foot in a stadium. The festivals feature giant viewing screens, music, food, and a serious love of the game.
And if you’re trying to figure out how to be outside while you’re inside, you don’t have to leave your house to catch FIFA World Cup™ fever. Easy, affordable watch parties at home can bring the thrill of the game into your living room. Throw up some team flags, call your friends over, put in everyone’s favorite McDonald’s order, and just like that, you’re world cupping.
If you’re flying solo, don’t worry. You can still be in the mix. You can connect with the FIFA Play Zone for free online interactive games, including brackets and predictions.
Come for the Game, Stay for the Culture
If you don’t know a penalty kick from a hat trick, that’s okay because you’ll quickly learn there’s nothing quite like watching soccer fans watch soccer. That goes double if you’re getting a glimpse of a new culture while you’re feeling the second-hand fan joy.
For instance, African teams have consistently made their mark on the global stage, with some of the continent’s top-ranked squads delivering historic performances; including the deepest run ever by an African team in 2022. So if there’s an international community in your town, this is your moment to mix jollof with soccer, or Afrobeats with goals. Lean into the world part of the FIFA World Cup™.
FIFA’s World Cup™ roots run deep. Fans want to remember the moment just as much as they want to live it. After you lock into the competition, you can keep things going by embracing a long standing tradition: the Panini FIFA World Cup™ Sticker Album. Featuring teams, stadiums, players, and more, it’s been a tournament tradition since the 1970 games in Mexico. Or, you can keep things fresh by visiting your local McDonald’s and experiencing their special McDonald’s FIFA World Cup™ Meal offerings and limited edition Collectible Cups. Each featuring world-class players like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Christian Pulisic, and McDonald’s OG, Grimace, these souvenir items are available now while supplies last.
For those just joining the movement, this year is a great time to get into the madness because the 2026 edition is set to be the largest in the tournament’s history, with 48 teams competing for the title.
So, whether you’re keeping track of your favorite team’s progress, learning the game, racking up McDonald’s commemoratives, or just soaking up the global superfan energy, one thing is clear: this summer will be all about the FIFA World Cup™!
This content was created for McDonald’s as part of a paid partnership.