With the 2026 World Cup set to ignite global screens, brands lean into high‑budget campaigns. Adidas launched a 5‑minute “Backyard Legends” film starring Timothée Chalamet, Trinity Rodman, Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal, and cameos from Messi, Bad Bunny, and Ousmane Dembélé. The clip showcases street‑style football against a backdrop of nostalgic 90s imagery, blending real‑life legends with CGI de‑aging that some viewers find uncanny. Critics praised the production value but noted the heavy reliance on celebrity cameo could dilute the message.

Meanwhile Nike released “Rip Up The Script,” an ad featuring a roster of giants—Mbappé, Vini Jr, Cristiano Ronaldo, Van Dijk, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Eric Cantona, Didier Drogba, Kim Kardashian—alongside streetwear drops with Palace, Jacquemus, and NOCTA. The campaign, dropped a week before kickoff, aims to outshine rivals by merging pop culture, fashion, and football, securing a 9/10 rating for its buzz.

Other giants like Coca‑Cola, Brahma, Budweiser, and McDonald’s have produced less compelling spots, scoring 4.5/10, 7.5/10, 6/10, and 6.5/10 respectively. Their ads lack the star‑driven intensity seen in Adidas and Nike’s campaigns, showing that sheer budget does not guarantee impact. The 2026 World Cup media landscape now hinges on narrative strength over flash for fans, sponsors, and broadcasters alike.