Kia Canada Launches National Search for Youth to Carry Match Balls at FIFA World Cup 26™

Thirteen young Canadians will earn once-in-a-lifetime roles in Toronto and Vancouver during the 2026 tournament

TORONTO — With the FIFA World Cup 26™ set to make history on Canadian soil, Kia Canada is giving 13 young Canadians a rare chance to step onto the pitch as Official Match Ball Carriers (OMBCs) during matches hosted in Toronto and Vancouver.

As an official FIFA partner, Kia is launching two pathways for youth to qualify: the Official Match Ball Carrier Cup and the nationwide Inspiring Stories Program. Selected participants will escort the official match ball to the referee at a FIFA World Cup 26™ match — a global stage seen by millions.

Two Ways to Become an Official Match Ball Carrier

Kia Canada will select seven young athletes through the Official Match Ball Carrier Cup, an international youth tournament set to take place in Los Angeles in 2026. Regional qualifiers across Canada have wrapped up, and 25 finalists will advance to the National Final Tryout in Toronto this January.

These seven youth will then represent Canada against teams from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, England, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, and the United States for the OMBC Cup.

Inspiring Stories Program Now Open

Kia Canada is also selecting six additional OMBCs through its new Inspiring Stories Program, calling on parents and guardians nationwide to nominate youth born between June 2011 and July 2016.

The nomination process requires a video submission demonstrating how the child:

• Has a remarkable or unique personal story

• Shows boldness, resilience, or leadership

• Inspires others through their actions

• Has a genuine passion for soccer

“We’re so excited to give young Canadians the opportunity to live out their dreams of stepping on a FIFA World Cup pitch,” said Michael Kopke, Director of Marketing at Kia Canada. “The Inspiring Stories program spotlights young people who inspire others and gives them a chance to be part of the biggest sporting event in the world.”

Registration is now open at Kia.ca/OMBC and closes November 30, 2025.

A Landmark Moment for Canada

The FIFA World Cup 26™ marks the first time Canada will host matches in a men’s World Cup, with games scheduled in Toronto and Vancouver. Kia’s program aims to ensure young Canadians are not only part of the audience, but part of the action — walking players, officials, and the match ball onto the pitch before kickoff.

For full eligibility details and nomination guidelines, visit Kia.ca/OMBC.

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