Hyundai Motor Company, in collaboration with FIFA, unveiled the Official National Team Bus designs for the FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring winning artwork from its global youth initiative, ‘Be There With Hyundai.’
The designs transform the tournament’s most visible touchpoints into a celebration of youth creativity on the world stage.
Announced in December 2025, ‘Be There With Hyundai’ invited children ages 5-12 from around the world to express their national pride and love for football (soccer) through original artwork capturing their excitement for the tournament. The contest, titled ‘The Greatest Cheer,’ encouraged young fans to visually showcase their cheering moments for their favorite national team and express what the FIFA World Cup represents to them.
“Through ‘Be There With Hyundai,’ we’ve created a platform where children’s voices and creative dreams reach the world’s biggest stage. As part of our World Cup campaign ‘Next Starts Now’, this initiative is designed to turn the next generation’s dreams into reality by giving them a meaningful place in the tournament itself. This journey from inspiration to reality reinforces Hyundai Motor’s belief that the next generation is essential to building a better, more connected future for all.” said Sungwon Jee, executive vice president and global chief marketing officer, Hyundai Motor Company.
What defines the Official National Team Bus designs?: The overall bus design concept and creative direction were developed and curated by FIFA, with Hyundai Motor unveiling the final bus exteriors featuring the winning artworks. A total of 48 winning artworks were selected from a global pool of submissions, each representing a qualified National Team.
The bus exteriors combine:
- Children’s original artwork, displayed prominently across the windows
- FIFA World Cup 2026 visual identity elements
- Prestigious colour palette, iconic unity pattern and iconography to celebrate the host nations
Together, these elements reflect the global nature of the tournament, transforming each vehicle into a moving symbol of youth creativity, global connection and shared passion across nations on every journey to matches and training venues.
What experiences are provided for the winners?: Each winning child, along with one accompanying guardian, will receive an exclusive invitation to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026. The prize package includes:
- Tickets to a Group Stage match
- Round-trip airfare
- Accommodation
“Seeing their artwork displayed on the National Team Buses is more than a creative achievement – it’s a moment of belief and inspiration for these children and their families, and a reflection of what football can represent for people around the world. This initiative celebrates the power of football to connect generations and cultures, while reminding the next generation of athletes and fans that their voices, ideas and creativity have a place on the world stage.” –said Nick Brown, director of commercial partnerships, FIFA.
How can fans engage with the ‘Be There With Hyundai’ campaign during the World Cup?: Throughout the tournament, fans can engage with the winning artworks featured on the Official National Team Buses across host cities and stadiums in the United States, Canada and Mexico. They can:
- Photograph National Team Buses featuring children’s ‘Be There With Hyundai’ artworks
- Share images on social media using #BeThereWithHyundai
- Enter for a chance to win exclusive prizes from Hyundai Motor
To further celebrate the ‘Be There With Hyundai’ campaign, Hyundai Motor has released a special video featuring global ambassador Son Heung-min, aimed at raising awareness of the initiative among fans worldwide.
What is the broader context of ‘Be There With Hyundai’?: Since its launch at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, ‘Be There With Hyundai’ has served as Hyundai Motor’s flagship fan engagement program. Over nearly two decades, the initiative has evolved to reflect cultural moments and changing fan expectations:
- 2006-2018: National Team slogan contests (until 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia)
- 2022: Sustainability pledges (FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022)
- 2026: First‑ever global children’s drawing contest (FIFA World Cup 2026)
This year’s contest goes beyond fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation among children; it reflects Hyundai Motor’s “Next Starts Now” global campaign and its commitment to advancing toward a better future alongside the next generation. Through the initiative, the brand demonstrates that young voices and creative visions are vital to building a better future. It positions youth not as passive spectators, but as active contributors shaping the world they will inherit and lead tomorrow.
