Hyundai Motor Unveils Global Campaign Film for FIFA World Cup 2026 Featuring Soccer Talent and Robotics

Hyundai Motor Company has officially launched its much-anticipated global campaign film titled "Next Starts Now" in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. This initiative represents a significant milestone in strengthening Hyundai's longstanding partnership with FIFA, emphasizing the role of innovation in soccer and the broader universe of technology.

In just 60 captivating seconds, the film ingeniously combines the excitement of future soccer stars alongside South Korean football icon Son Heung-min and the groundbreaking Atlas robot from Boston Dynamics. The visual narrative illustrates the merging of human potential with cutting-edge robotics, establishing a powerful message about the future of sports and technology.

The film is primed for a worldwide release, set to air across approximately 180 countries through various media channels, including television, digital platforms, and social media, engaging soccer fans globally throughout this prestigious tournament.

Sungwon Jee, the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Marketing at Hyundai Motor Company, remarked on the significance of this campaign. He stated, "The film captures the essence of our brand, reminding us that we can't remain passive about what awaits us; the future is built today. The young players alongside Son Heung-min and our advanced robotics technology reflect this belief. We are excited to share this vision with soccer fans worldwide during FIFA World Cup 2026."

The Powerful Message


The crux of the "Next Starts Now" campaign is clear and impactful: the future starts now, not tomorrow. It draws strong parallels between Hyundai's commitment to innovation, the emerging generation of talented footballers, and advancements in robotics, demonstrating how young athletes and cutting-edge technology jointly forge pathways for the future.

The film highlights five emerging football talents who are already making waves in the sport. Each of these athletes embodies Hyundai's dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible:
  • - Da'vian Kimbrough (Mexico), 16 years old, forward for Sacramento Republic FC, recognized as the youngest professional athlete in American team sports history.
  • - Bruno Cabral (Argentina), 15 years old, striker for River Plate, noted as the top scorer in the 2025 CONMEBOL Liga Evolución Sub15.
  • - Stella Spitzer (USA), 16 years old, forward for Carolina Ascent FC, the youngest professional recruit in USL Super League history.
  • - Kauan Basile (Brazil), 14 years old, forward for Santos FC, set the record for most goals in a single Campeonato Paulista Sub-11 season in 2023.
  • - Khalil Mitchell (England), 14 years old, midfielder for Chelsea FC Academy, awarded Best Player at the East Mallorca Cup 2023.

Son Heung-min and Atlas: Icons of Innovation


Son Heung-min, Hyundai's global brand ambassador and a football role model, appears in the film encouraging and inspiring the younger generation. He embodies professionalism and dedication, appearing alongside Atlas, a humanoid robot that signifies Hyundai's advancements in robotics. The appearance of Atlas with the official FIFA World Cup 2026 ball symbolizes a glance into the future of young players, made vibrant through innovation.

This fusion of human talent and advanced technology emphasizes Hyundai Motor's role as a significant driver of progress in mobility and robotics.

Son Heung-min shared his thoughts on the campaign, stating, "The World Cup is always an exciting moment as it showcases the new generation of players on the largest stage in the world. I resonate deeply with the 'Next Starts Now' campaign by Hyundai, which highlights future talents while delivering a message of innovation. I am proud to inspire young players to dream bigger, just as I once did."

Extending the Campaign’s Reach


To build on the momentum of this campaign, Hyundai Motor will introduce several initiatives aimed at blending football, culture, and innovation to deepen fan engagement. The company executed youth soccer camps across the United States from April to May in cities like Atlanta, Miami, New Jersey, and Los Angeles, featuring legendary players Mia Hamm and Tim Howard. These events combined coaching sessions with interactive programming, offering fans unique opportunities to ride in vehicles and win tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Looking ahead, Hyundai plans immersive experiences at key competition sites, including FIFA Fan Festival venues in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Toronto, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, along with the NYNJ World Cup 26 Fan Zone in Queens, New York. These events will integrate technology and storytelling to bring the "Next Starts Now" platform to life.

Additional initiatives include a content series called "School of Football" featuring Atlas and Son Heung-min, the "Legacies of Champions" exhibit at the FIFA Museum in Rockefeller Center, and the "Be There With Hyundai" National Team Bus campaign, showcasing artwork created by children worldwide.

For a deeper dive into Hyundai Motor's campaign for the World Cup, titled "Next Starts Now," please visit the official Hyundai brand news article.

About Hyundai Motor Company


Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company operates in over 200 countries and employs over 120,000 individuals dedicated to addressing global mobility challenges. With a commitment to the brand vision, "Progress for Humanity," Hyundai is accelerating its transformation beyond just mobility through advanced robotics and artificial intelligence. The company is continually investing in new technologies to develop groundbreaking solutions while pursuing open innovation for future mobility services. In its quest for a sustainable world, Hyundai Motor is also committed to reducing carbon emissions, providing a comprehensive range of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells, and electric solutions.

For more information about Hyundai Motor and its offerings, please visit Hyundai's official website.

Topics Entertainment & Media)

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