Marketing News

Unilever Signs Deal with World Cup 2026

Dove Men+Care, Degree and Axe will be featured alongside promotions with soccer player Clint Dempsey.

Happi Top 30 company Unilever tapped U.S. soccer player Clint Dempsey to promote its personal care portfolio. Dove Men+Care, Degree and Axe will also be featured in World Cup 2026 gift packs and a nationwide sweepstakes.  

“At Unilever, we know that the love of the game is so much more than what happens on the field – it’s about the passion, connection, and joy that brings people together everywhere,” said Laura DiMiceli, Head of Sports Marketing & Partnerships, Unilever Personal Care. “We’re proud to partner with Clint Dempsey to bring our brands to people in ways that celebrate that same energy, helping to inspire confidence, freshness and connectivity during the excitement of FIFA World Cup 26 and the everyday moments that matter.”

With each purchase of the gift packs, fans can enter to win World Cup 2026 tickets through June 15, 2026 and other prizes through July 19, 2026. Consumers can visit UnileverWorldCup26.com to participate.

Personal Care Soccer Promotions

Unilever promoted soccer leading up to the big event on 2026, as Degree was official partner of Conmebol Copa América USA 2024.

Building on its multi-year partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation, Henkel is expanding its 2025 initiatives to increase kids’ access to the game through youth clinics, equipment drives and the Dial Clean Sheet program. Henkel will continue growing these efforts in 2026 to reach even more young athletes and communities nationwide. 

Almost 10 years ago, Listerine launched its biggest global marketing social campaign, “Power To Your Mouth,” for the FIFA World Cup in 2014. From the pre-tournament build up, through the final whistle, the Listerine brand reacted to the news of the day, recapped the biggest matches and connected with sports and brand enthusiasts through its social channels and the hashtag #PowertoYourMouth, said its maker, Johnson & Johnson.

Beyond the social component, a new TV spot was deployed in 40 countries and consumer promotions to win special prizes, in-store activities and in-stadium signage were also part of the campaign.

Outside of the World Cup, ELF Cosmetics is the official makeup and skin care partner of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). ELF is the presenting partner of the NWSL Challenge Cup for the next three seasons through 2027.

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