# Global Soccer Partnerships Lay's Announced as the Official Sponsor of FIFA World Cup 2026 By Debra John | Published 2024-09-12 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/official-sponsor-of-fifa References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lays-named-official-sponsor-of-fifa-world-cup-26--fifa-womens-world-cup-2027-302245966.html) & [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lays_football)  Lay's has been named an Official Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, reinforcing its role in supporting major global soccer events. This partnership, alongside other brands such as "Doritos, Cheetos, [Tostitos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tost-by-tostitos), Ruffles, [Cracker Jack](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cracker-jill), [PopCorners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popcorners-super-bowl), Quaker, and Gamesa," will offer fans exclusive experiences, merchandise, and various consumer activations. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted "across Canada, Mexico, and the United States while the Women's World Cup 2027 will be held in South America for the first time." Consequently, through this sponsorship, Lay's will introduce the 'Fan of the Match' program, which will recognize and reward fans at each match, providing them with unique experiences and fostering a deeper connection to the tournament—in the hopes of highlighting the various cities and countries that are hosting the 2026 Cup. This initiative is expected to enhance fan engagement and contribute positively to the FIFA experience. Image Credit: Lay's ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 28% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Fan-based Recognition Programs:** Fan recognition initiatives like 'Fan of the Match' create direct engagement opportunities, fostering deeper fan loyalty. - **Exclusive Fan Experiences:** Offering unique and exclusive fan experiences can significantly elevate brand presence and consumer satisfaction at large-scale events. - **Cross-border Event Sponsorships:** Sponsoring cross-border events expands brand reach and builds stronger global recognition through diverse regional engagement. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Sports Marketing:** Partnering with major sports organizations offers a valuable platform for engaging global audiences and enhancing brand visibility. - **Event Management:** Specialized event management services can capitalize on fan-centric activities to enhance the overall event experience. - **Food and Beverage Industry:** Aligning snack brands with major sports sponsorships provides unique avenues for themed consumer activations and promotions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Soccer-Focused Official Snack Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fan-of-the-match.md) - [Celebratory World Cup Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walkers-and-fifa.md) - [FIFA World Cup Snack Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fifa-world-cup-flavors.md) - [Global Chip Flavor Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lays-fifa-world-cup-2026.md) - [Soccer-Themed Snack Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mondelz-products.md) - [Limited-Edition Soccer Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lays-fifa-world-cup.md) - [Globally Inspired Potato Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/globally-inspired-potato-chip.md) - [Immersive Soccer Tournament Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/immersive-popup-experience.md) - [Celebratory Soccer QSR Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-2026-fifa-world-cup.md)