The FIFA World Cup 26TM Goes to McDonald’s: Serving Up Matchday Magic with New Limited-Time Meals and Collectibles to Fans Worldwide

Press release
Published June 3rd, 2026 - 04:37 GMT

The FIFA World Cup 26TM Goes to McDonald’s: Serving Up Matchday Magic with New Limited-Time Meals and Collectibles to Fans Worldwide

This summer, McDonald’s is 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 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. Whether you’re 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.

“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,” said Morgan Flatley, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of New Business Ventures at McDonald’s. “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 TM 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.”

Starting June 9, savor every goal with the FIFA World Cup 26™ Meal, featuring one of six legendary collectible cups featuring football icons David Beckham, Ronaldinho Gaucho, Theirry Henry, Heung-Min Son and Lamine Yamal. And of course, the roster isn’t complete without our very own certified legend, Grimace.

David Beckham: “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.”

The meal is complete with choice of burger or 9-pc. Chicken McNuggets paired with our limited edition, gold packaged Big Mac Sauce. Or fuel up for extra overtime with our Golden McFlurry, a creamy, vanilla soft serve swirled with caramel sauce and a crunchy, toasted coconut topping.

 Future Football Stars and McDonald’s Fans Take the Pitch with the FIFA World Cup 26™ Happy Meal Squishmallows™ Squad

For football and McDonald’s fans in training, the FIFA World Cup 26™ Happy Meal brings the excitement of match day to McDonald’s! Each order comes with one of 23 Squishmallows™ plush, created from the brand’s most popular characters, repping the Happy Meal squad like Cam, Benny, Boyle, Nya, Gordon, Debra, Maui, Dolan, Winnie, Lindsay, Olma, and Barella.

Kitted in jerseys designed with unique colors, patterns, crests, numbers, and McDonald’s graphics, the collection invites families around the world into the game. To add an extra layer of fun, every Squishmallows Happy Meal will come in special packaging and include a scannable code that unlocks an exclusive digital game so future stars can practice their corner kick IRL and online on www.happymeal.com.

Score Big Beyond the Restaurant 

McDonald’s is stepping onto the pitch with epic experiences, and these meals are only the beginning. Fans can immerse themselves in the excitement with exclusive digital experiences, interactive moments and surprises.

•    Unlock Exclusive Experiences on the McDonald’s App

The McDonald’s App is bringing fans even closer to the FIFA World Cup 26™ action with exclusive offers, fun games and special rewards when you order the meal through the McDonald’s app.

Football Legends. McDonald’s Fans. Same Matchday Rituals.

From the pitch to our legendary cups, football’s biggest names share their personal McDonald’s memories and experiences.

Lamine Yamal: “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.”

Ronaldinho Gaúcho: “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.” 

Theirry Henry: “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.” 

Heung-Min Son: “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.”

Grimace: “Friends, food, and football equals big party!” 

Join us for an unforgettable tournament and head to any McDonald’s UAE restaurants or visit the McDonald’s App for the FIFA World Cup 26™ Meal and FIFA World Cup 26™ Happy Meal, while supplies last.

Background Information

McDonald’s

In 1917, 15-year-old Ray Kroc lied about his age to join the Red Cross as an ambulance driver, but the war ended before he completed his training. He then worked as a piano player, a paper cup salesman and a Multimixer salesman.

In 1954, he visited a restaurant in San Bernardino, California that had purchased several Multimixers. There he found a small but successful restaurant run by brothers Dick and Mac McDonald, and was stunned by the effectiveness of their operation. They produced a limited menu, concentrating on just a few items – burgers, fries and beverages – which allowed them to focus on quality and quick service.

They were looking for a new franchising agent and Kroc saw an opportunity. In 1955, he founded McDonald’s System, Inc., a predecessor of the McDonald’s Corporation, and six years later bought the exclusive rights to the McDonald’s name and operating system. By 1958, McDonald’s had sold its 100 millionth hamburger

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