byGrace Buchan/28 May 2026/inKia News

Kia Drives the FIFA World Cup 2026™

Kia has long been synonymous with sport. From supporting local teams here in New Zealand, like Miles Kia’s partnership with the Crusaders, to global events such as the Australian Open, Kia’s presence in sport is recognised around the world. It’s a natural fit for a brand built around the slogan, “Movement that inspires”.

Now, Kia is continuing that legacy as an official partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The 2026 tournament will be the biggest in FIFA World Cup history, expanding to 48 teams and welcoming several nations making their tournament debut.

Kia’s partnership with FIFA dates back to 2007, and this year the brand is once again playing a major role in the global event. One of the standout initiatives is the Kia Official Match Ball Carrier (OMBC) program, which will see 104 children carry the official match ball onto the pitch ahead of each game, creating unforgettable moments alongside some of the world’s best footballers.

Adding to the excitement, legendary French footballer Thierry Henry will front Kia’s campaign leading into the tournament, celebrating the unity and passion that football inspires around the world. Kia is also bringing the FIFA World Cup experience into its vehicles, with a series of downloadable FIFA World Cup 2026 infotainment themes featuring unique colours, icons, and animations available across selected Kia models.

Following press release from Kia Global

As FIFA Official Mobility Partner, Kia provides official vehicles for transportation at FIFA World Cup 2026™ tournaments and events
A total of 660 vehicles from Kia’s award-winning lineup will support innovative and sustainable mobility solutions
Deployment fleet includes Telluride, Sportage, Carnival, Sorento, K4, K4 Hatchback, Niro and Sonet

Kia vehicle handover to FIFA outside stadium

Kia and FIFA marked a key milestone in their global partnership with an official vehicle handover held at Los Angeles Stadium. The event reflects Kia’s role as the Official Mobility Partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, set to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

For the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Kia will deploy 660 vehicles from its award‑winning product lineup. The vehicles will be drawn from various Kia models — Telluride, Sportage, Carnival, Sorento, K4, K4 Hatchback, Niro and Sonet — and will support a wide range of tournament operations across host markets, showcasing the brand’s innovation and versatility to a global audience.

“Kia is honored to support the FIFA World Cup 2026™ as the Official Mobility Partner. This vehicle handover marks a significant milestone in our global partnership with FIFA and reflects Kia’s commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable mobility solutions on the world stage. We look forward to contributing to creating a seamless and memorable tournament experience for all participants and fans worldwide.” — Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia Corporation.

The collaboration reflects Kia’s brand philosophy of enabling meaningful movement by connecting people with inspiring experiences through mobility. Beyond the tournament itself, the partnership extends to fans and communities through additional activations, including the launch of Kia’s exclusive FIFA World Cup 2026™ Display Themes and the hosting of young players from around the world for the Kia OMBC Cup 2026™.

Kia has been an official partner of FIFA, the global football (soccer) governing body, since 2007. As FIFA’s official mobility partner, Kia will provide transportation, autonomous driving technologies and future mobility services at FIFA’s global events and tournaments until 2030.