#South Korea #Seoul #FIFA World Cup #Hyundai Motor #Son Heung-min

Hyundai Motor Debuts 'Next Starts Now' Global Campaign Film for FIFA World Cup 2026

Hyundai Motor Company has made a stunning entry into the global stage by launching its campaign film titled "Next Starts Now," which coincides with the FIFA World Cup 2026. The film, running for 60 seconds, is a cinematic brand presentation that intertwines the worlds of football and robotics innovation.

The film features celebrated South Korean football star Son Heung-min alongside five promising young athletes who symbolize the future of football. These players not only highlight the talent present today but also showcase the potential for growth and evolution in the sport. Among them are Da'vian Kimbrough, a 16-year-old heralded as the youngest professional athlete in American team sports history, and Bruno Cabral, who has already made headlines as a top scorer in youth competitions.

Moreover, Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot makes a notable appearance, representing Hyundai Motor's commitment to advancing technology. This synergy between human ability and mechanical innovation embodies the brand’s vision of moving forward. "Next Starts Now" is more than just a campaign; it speaks to the urgency for humanity to innovate and propel the future forward rather than waiting for it to arrive.

As sung by Sungwon Jee, Hyundai's Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer, this initiative mirrors the essence of the brand—moving beyond the present and actively shaping what is to come. Jee emphasizes the integral role of innovation and determination embodied in both budding football talent and Hyundai’s robotics initiatives. Throughout the FIFA World Cup, this film will air in around 180 countries, reaching millions of football enthusiasts globally.

The Stars of Tomorrow Featured in the Film

The next-generation football talents featured in "Next Starts Now" include:

• - Da'vian Kimbrough (Mexico), 16: A forward for Sacramento Republic FC and the youngest professional athlete in American team sports history.
• - Bruno Cabral (Argentina), 15: A center-forward for River Plate, known as the top scorer in the CONMEBOL Liga Evolución Sub15 Masculina (2025).
• - Stella Spitzer (USA), 16: A forward for Carolina Ascent FC, recognized as the youngest professional signee in USL Super League history.
• - Kauan Basile (Brazil), 14: A forward who established the all-time single-edition scoring record in the Campeonato Paulista Sub-11 (2023).
• - Khalil Mitchell (England), 14: A midfielder at Chelsea FC Academy, awarded MVP at the East Mallorca Cup (2023).

Visionary Examples: Son Heung-min and Atlas

Son Heung-min is showcased as a mentor figure for these young talents, reinforcing the notion that the future of football is bright with leaders like him serving as examples. His words echo the sentiment of ambition and aspiration that Hyundai hopes to convey through this campaign.

Atlas, the humanoid robot, acts as a representation of Hyundai's forward-looking perspective in the domains of technology and connectivity in sports. By incorporating robotics into this narrative, Hyundai Motor highlights the intersection of sporting excellence and technology innovation. This is a commitment to being a catalyst for change and evolution both on and off the field.

Engaging with Fans

The campaign is not merely confined to the digital realm. Hyundai Motor is hosting several events to deepen the connection between football fans and young aspiring players. The company has facilitated soccer camps across major U.S. cities, featuring legends like Mia Hamm and Tim Howard. These events offer fans unique experiences, including coaching sessions and opportunities to win tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Additionally, Hyundai is set to provide immersive fan experiences at multiple sites related to the World Cup, including FIFA Fan Festival zones in prominent cities. These will merge storytelling with technology, creating engaging environments for fans to celebrate the sport.

The "School of Football" content series and exhibitions such as the FIFA Museum's "Legacies of Champions" at New York’s Rockefeller Center further underscore this initiative. Coupled with the global outreach of the campaign, Hyundai's vision for the future of football shines brightly.

With these initiatives, Hyundai is firmly establishing itself at the forefront of merging innovation with sports culture, showcasing a commitment to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of talent and technology. To delve deeper into the "Next Starts Now" campaign, you can visit Hyundai's dedicated Brand Journal page.

About Hyundai Motor Company

Founded in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company has built a presence in over 200 countries with more than 120,000 employees worldwide. The company is dedicated to developing solutions for modern mobility challenges while focusing on sustainability and advanced technologies. With a vision centered on 'Progress for Humanity,' Hyundai Motor continues to shape the future through cutting-edge innovations in robotics and vehicle technologies.