McDonald’s announced its most comprehensive FIFA World Cup Global sponsorship featuring an array of consumer-focused programs that will engage football fans around the globe. FIFA World Cup 2010 marks McDonald’s fifth time as an Official Sponsor and the Official Restaurant of the tournament.
“We’re committed to providing our customers with numerous ways to participate in the excitement and passion of FIFA World Cup South Africa,” said McDonald’s Global Communications Vice President Bridget Coffing at today’s international media briefing. “From specially-themed menu items, packaging and restaurant promotions to innovative digital activities, community youth clinics and team sponsorships, our goal is to connect our customers like never before with FIFA World Cup.”
As strong supporters of McDonald’s Player Escort program, French football legend and 1998 FIFA World Cup winning team member Marcel Desailly and South African football hero John “Shoes” Moshoeu joined McDonald’s today to share their experiences on one of McDonald’s most inspiring World Cup initiatives. Through this exclusive McDonald’s program, 1,408 children (ages 6-10) are provided the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the tournament and walk hand-in-hand onto the pitch with their football heroes. Children will be selected by participating countries through activities that encourage them to be active and inspire their creativity.
As part of today’s kick-off, McDonald’s also unveiled its online games exclusively featured on www.FIFA.com. McDonald’s new FIFA World Cup Predictor game connects global online football fans who use their knowledge and skills to predict which of the 32 FIFA World Cup teams will win game by game and round by round. With McDonald’s returning FIFA World Cup Fantasy Football game, football fans create their own digital teams of World Cup players. Both games will offer exclusive prizes throughout and at the conclusion of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.
McDonald’s has been a supporter of football at both the global and grassroots levels for more than 25 years. McDonald’s became an Official Sponsor and the Official Restaurant of the FIFA World Cup in 1994 when the tournament was played in the United States.