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 — future stars of the game.
- 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 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 —
- 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 journey begins with inspiration.
Master Plan to become the Official Match Ball Carrier.
Every step turns into inspiration.
Our journey begins at the moment we deliver.
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 universal language of football. United by their passion, they step onto the FIFA World Cup™ stage as the 49th Team. Follow their path — an extraordinary journey defined by shared dreams and the transformative power of sport.
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.
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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 mattered most went beyond skill. Children who embody five values — Passion, Courage, Resilience, Joy, and Inspiration — are chosen as the new members of the 49th Team.
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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.
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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.
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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 — beginning with OMBC.
Experience Beyond the Match
The excitement that begins inside the stadium extends far beyond it. As an Official Partner of FIFA, Kia expands the tournament experience — from mobility to shared experiences and connection.
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.
