FIFA Official Match Ball Carrier
Where Young Dreams Move Forward
The 49th Team Creating the Opening Moment of the FIFA World Cup 2026™
Kia creates the very first moment of the FIFA World Cup™.
As the world watches, the FIFA World Cup™ begins with OMBC. The Official Match Ball Carrier (OMBC) is a program operated exclusively by Kia, inviting children onto the pitch to deliver the official match ball to the referee, formally signaling the start of the match. Each child is personally selected and invited by Kia to represent future stars of the game. In that defining moment, they step into the very heart of the world's biggest stage.
Inspiring every step of the next legend.
Kia is a proud sponsor of the Official Match Ball Carrier.
Great journeys begin with inspiration. Watch one child's Master Plan to become the Official Match Ball Carrier.
Every step turns into inspiration. Our journey begins at the moment we deliver.
Master Plan
Great journeys begin with inspiration.
Watch one child's Master Plan to become the Official Match Ball Carrier.
Deliver to Inspire Coming Soon
Every step turns into inspiration.
Our journey begins at the moment we deliver.
The Next Legend
Inspiring every step of the next legend.
Kia is a proud sponsor of the Official Match Ball Carrier.
Official Match Ball Carrier, the 49th Team of the FIFA World Cup 2026™
As 48 countries gather for an unprecedented FIFA World Cup 2026™, one more team stands ready. Together, we are the 49th Team.
Selected through local auditions, global football talents convene at the Kia OMBC Cup 2026™. Beyond a tournament, this is a platform where inspiration meets connection. Mentored by legends, these children cultivate new friendships and bond through the universal language of football. United by their passion, they step onto the FIFA World Cup™ stage as the 49th Team. Follow their path and witness an extraordinary journey defined by shared dreams and the transformative power of sport.
Phase 1: The Calling
A Call Toward a Dream
The Calling
Phase 2: Local Audition
Chosen by Legends
Local Audition
Phase 3: Kia OMBC Cup 2026™
Becoming One Team
Kia OMBC Cup 2026™
Phase 4: FIFA World Cup 2026™
The 49th Team Stepping onto the FIFA World Cup™ Stage
FIFA World Cup 2026™
Phase 1: The Calling
A Call Toward a Dream
FIFA World Cup-winning legend Thierry Henry embarks on a mission to assemble the 49th Team of the FIFA World Cup 2026™: the OMBC. Answering his call, icons of the game from around the world join one by one, marking the start of a journey to forge the 49th Team.
49th Team Draw
Through the draw, Thierry Henry unveils the participating countries of the Kia OMBC Cup, alongside the FIFA World Cup 2026™: the 49th Team.
Rio Ferdinand Joins
English football legend Rio Ferdinand answers Thierry Henry's call and joins the journey to select the UK OMBC.
Jorge Campos Joins
Mexican football legend Jorge Campos joins the journey to help select the Mexico OMBC, showcasing his iconic jersey.
David Villa Joins
Spanish football legend David Villa joins the 49th Team, carrying the passion of Spain onto the world stage.
Ahn Jung-hwan Joins
Korean football legend Ahn Jung-hwan joins the journey to carry on the legacy of the 2002 FIFA World Cup™.
Phase 2: Local Audition
Chosen by Legends
Across 10 countries around the world, legends and coaches set out to find the children who would join the OMBC journey. What matters most lies beyond their skill. Children who embody five values — passion, courage, resilience, joy, and inspiration — are chosen as the new members of the 49th Team.
Manifesto
Thierry Henry, leader of the 49th Team, introduces the Official Match Ball Carriers — the 49th to join the FIFA World Cup™ — and shares their stories with the world. Witness their journey to becoming OMBCs.
The Call Up
Football legends and coaches from around the world join the journey to build the 49th Team for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, heading to local auditions to select the OMBCs of their own country.
The Selection
At local auditions, football legends and coaches selected the young players who best embodied the values of the 49th Team.
Ways of the Team
The selected OMBCs share their thoughts on the values that define the 49th Team and what those values mean to them.
Squad Reveal
Meet the OMBCs from each country on their journey to becoming the 49th Team.
Phase 3: Kia OMBC Cup 2026™
Becoming One Team
For the first time, the OMBCs selected from each country come together in Los Angeles. The Kia OMBC Cup 2026™ is more than just a tournament. Under the guidance of legends, the children move beyond competition to understand one another and grow together — becoming the true 49th Team, ready to step onto the FIFA World Cup 2026™ stage.
One Team
The OMBCs selected from each country gather in Los Angeles for the first time to take part in the Kia OMBC Cup 2026™. Now, their second journey begins.
Masterclass
Through training with football legends at the Kia OMBC Cup 2026™, the OMBCs grow — developing not only their football skills, but also the values of the 49th Team.
49th Team Photo
The OMBCs are now ready to step onto the FIFA World Cup 2026™ stage as members of the 49th Team. Cheer on the children of the 49th Team, as well as the head coach and supporting coaches, who guided them to this next chapter.
OMBC Cup Highlights
Under the guidance of football legends and coaches at the Kia OMBC Cup 2026™, the OMBCs compete alongside peers from other countries and learn the values of the 49th Team while growing together.
Phase 4: FIFA World Cup 2026™
The 49th Team Stepping onto the FIFA World Cup™ Stage
Now, the children step onto the FIFA World Cup 2026™ stage. As they enter the pitch carrying the official match ball, they become part of the opening moment of the match. And even after the final whistle, the journey of challenge and growth that began with the 49th Team continues on.
Coming Soon
Class of '26
The children have long dreamed of stepping onto the FIFA World Cup™ stage and now, as Official Match Ball Carriers, they finally take their place in the spotlight.
Coming Soon
Legends Verdict
The OMBCs signal the start of the FIFA World Cup™ match, while the legends watch and cheer them on.
Coming Soon
Forever 49th
The FIFA World Cup™ — the world's greatest stage of dreams — may have come to a close, but the journey of the 49th Team is far from over. Look forward to the day they step onto that stage once again. But this time, as players.
FIFA World Cup 2026™ — Together with OMBC
The journey of the 49th Team does not end with the opening of the match. As an official partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Kia continues to create more unforgettable moments of the tournament. OMBC was just the beginning.
Watch more OMBC videos
Discover the many stories of the 49th Team — united by passion for football and shared dreams.
Experience Beyond the Match
The excitement that begins inside the stadium extends far beyond it. As an Official Partner of FIFA, Kia expands beyond the tournament — from mobility to shared experiences and connection.
Official Tournament Vehicle Support
Kia has long supported the mobility of players and officials across FIFA international tournaments, ensuring that every moment flows seamlessly.
Youth and Tournament Sponsorship Programs
From youth tournaments to futsal and beach soccer competitions, Kia continues to support a wide range of FIFA events. Kia stays closest to the moment football becomes a dream for the next generation.
FIFA Fan Festival
A global gathering place beyond the stadium, where Kia connects the passion of football with culture and celebration through mobility-centered experiences.
Brand Booth
A space to experience the present and future of mobility. Through its EV lineup, Kia shares its vision for electrification and sustainability.
Kia continues the journey with them at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, ensuring their beginning becomes part of the FIFA World Cup™'s memory.
OMBC has long invited children to take part in the opening moment of the FIFA World Cup™. The OMBC Cup transforms their own challenge into an experience of growth.
And at the moment they deliver the official match ball, the FIFA World Cup™ match officially begins.
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