Key Takeaways
- 48 young artists ages 5–12 will have their artwork featured on national team buses at the FIFA World Cup 2026, one winner per participating country
- Winners receive a trip package including two group stage match tickets, round-trip airfare, and hotel accommodations for the child and one guardian
- Entry window runs December 2, 2025 through January 30, 2026, with submissions accepted via email using an official template from FIFA.com
- Hyundai’s team bus activation dates back to 2006, evolving from fan-submitted slogans to sustainability pledges in 2022, and now youth artwork
- The initiative targets global youth audiences while reinforcing Hyundai’s long-standing FIFA partnership through family-friendly brand engagement
A New Activation Model for Youth Engagement
Hyundai has unveiled “Be There With Hyundai,” a global drawing contest inviting children ages 5 to 12 to submit artwork celebrating their favorite FIFA World Cup 2026 national teams. The program will select 48 winners, one representing each participating country, with winning artwork displayed on official team buses throughout the tournament.
The contest opens December 2, 2025 and closes January 30, 2026. Participants download an official template from FIFA.com, complete their drawing, and submit a scanned or photographed image via email.
Prize Structure and Experience Design
Each winner receives a travel package for themselves and one guardian. The prize includes two tickets to a FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match, round-trip airfare, and hotel accommodations.
For youth sports marketers, the structure is notable. Rather than offering cash or merchandise, Hyundai built an experience-first reward designed around family participation and live event access. This approach aligns with broader trends in youth sports sponsorship, where brands increasingly prioritize memorable moments over transactional giveaways.
Hyundai’s Evolving Team Bus Strategy
Hyundai has activated around FIFA World Cup team buses since 2006. From 2006 to 2018, the brand featured fan-submitted slogans on official buses. In 2022, that shifted to sustainability pledges submitted by supporters worldwide.
The 2026 edition marks the first time the activation specifically targets children as the primary audience. By centering youth creativity, Hyundai extends its reach to families while generating visual content designed for global broadcast and social sharing.
Strategic Implications for Youth Sports Marketers
This campaign offers a case study in leveraging global sports properties to reach younger demographics. The contest mechanic is simple: download, draw, submit. That low barrier to entry opens participation to children across income levels and geographies.
For brands exploring youth sports activations, the model raises a relevant question. How can sponsors create touchpoints with young audiences that go beyond logo placement? Hyundai’s answer combines creative expression, travel incentives, and visibility on one of the world’s largest stages.
With submissions open through late January 2026, the campaign will generate months of engagement ahead of the tournament. Youth sports organizations and brands watching this space may find applicable lessons in experience design, family-focused rewards, and low-friction contest mechanics.
via: hyundai
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.
Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:
- Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
- Youth Sports events and tournament management
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
- Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
- Sports technology and data analytics innovation
- Youth sports facilities development and management
- Sports content creation and digital media monetization
Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.
Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry
Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn
Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
- Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
- Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
- Elevate the youth sports ecosystem
Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.
