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 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.
  • In that defining moment, they step into the very heart of the world’s biggest stage.
  • As the world watches,
  • the FIFA World Cup™ begins with OMBC.
  • The Official Match Ball Carrier (OMBC) is
  • a program operated 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.
  • In that defining moment,
  • they step into the very heart
  • of the world’s biggest stage.

    • The World Cup™’s 49th Team

    As the largest FIFA World Cup™ in history approaches in 2026, OMBC expands to a new global stage: Kia OMBC Cup 2026™. This program transforms into a worldwide challenge, bringing together promising young players selected from ten countries to compete in a newly established youth tournament.

    Beyond the 48 teams of the FIFA World Cup™, these children come together as the symbolic 49th team, supported by Kia to help shape the next chapter of the tournament.

    Where Possibility Begins

    There is a moment when children from different backgrounds choose a single dream and step forward with courage for the first time. For Kia OMBC Cup 2026™, the future begins with that choice.

    Kia stands alongside the children throughout their journey. Guided by football legends, they embrace responsibility, growing step by step through experience.

    This story is not about final achievement, but about the moment they begin moving toward their potential. Kia walks with them—from unseen first challenges to the opening moments of the FIFA World Cup™.

    A Stage Where Dreams Converge: Kia OMBC Cup 2026™

    Children selected from around the world gather in Los Angeles. Here, matches are more than competition. They become moments where mindset, courage, and possibility are revealed. Kia OMBC Cup 2026™ goes beyond selection— it is the first stage where young players bring their dreams to life on the pitch.

    The Local Stage on the Road to the FIFA World Cup™

    • The First Step toward a Dream

      Across ten countries, seven young players per country are selected through local auditions. The criteria extend beyond technical skill, focusing on mindset, preparation, and commitment.

    • Growing with Legends

      Children train under world-renowned football legends who serve as both coaches and mentors. Through training, guidance, and real competition, they develop skill, character, and confidence. Here, matches are about growth—not just winning.

    • The Starting Point of the FIFA World Cup™ Journey

      Kia OMBC Cup 2026™ is a youth tournament where selected players form teams and compete. The journey does not end with selection— on the pitch, they prove their potential and create moments of growth.

    On the stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, children step onto the pitch not as spectators, but as those who help signal the opening moment of the match. Their presence marks a new chapter of the FIFA World Cup™.

    At Last, the Children Who Stand at the Start of the FIFA World Cup™

    Experience Beyond the Match

    The excitement that begins inside the stadium extends far beyond it. As an official partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Kia expands the tournament experience—from mobility to connection.

    • Official Vehicle Support

      Kia has long supported the mobility of players and officials across FIFA international tournaments, ensuring that every moment flows seamlessly.

    • Youth and Future Generation Programs

      From youth and women’s tournaments to futsal and the FIFA eWorld Cup™, Kia continues to support football’s future, staying closest to the moment when the sport becomes a dream.

    • 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.

    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 match officially begins.

    Kia continues the journey with
    them at the FIFA World Cup 2026™,
    ensuring their beginning
    becomes part of the FIFA World
    Cup™'s memory.

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