Adidas World Cup 2026 campaign stars Timothée Chalamet, Messi and Beckham

Adidas has launched its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by unveiling a star-studded five-minute film called adidas Backyard Legends | The Greatest Football Story Ever Told.

The fim is led by actor Timothée Chalamet and features Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Bad Bunny, Alessandro Del Piero, Trinity Rodman and Lamine Yamal.

It follows Chalamet as he recruits a street football team to take on an undefeated team that has so far beaten every team it’s battled against.

Backyard Legends was created by Lola USA (which was formed from a combination of adam&eveDDB New York and 180 US) and produced by Smuggler, with Mark Molloy directing.

Adidas is the official match ball provider and kit supplier to 14 of the federations competing at the World Cup

“I used to dream of playing with these guys,” said Chalamet. “You know, I was playing at Pier 40 as a kid, thinking about Beckham’s free kicks, Del Piero’s goals, and Zidane’s volleys – doing my own versions. I love this game, so it’s unbelievable to be doing this with adidas, captured with the best to ever do it. I’m a traditionalist, I don’t know soccer, I know football, and I can’t wait for this summer’s World Cup.”

Florian Alt, vice president global brand communications at adidas, added: “With Backyard Legends, we celebrate that freedom. It’s a reminder that self-belief and playfulness are the real winning mindset.

“While we encourage competitiveness, our ambition is to inspire everyone, to disarm that pressure through playing free and believing, ‘You Got This’. This is important for professional and grassroots players alike; in every sport, in every part of the world. The game isn’t defined by the stage, the crowd, or the cameras. It’s defined by those who play free, where everyone can create a legend.”