FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers; HUL, Coca-Cola, 5 Other Stocks In Focus; Do You Own Any?

FIFA World Cup: The most-watched and loved sport, football, is prepping for its World Cup tournament. The game is back in the limelight as the qualifiers season commenced for selecting teams that would compete in the 2026 World Cup of men. Amidst, the FIFA World Cup craze among its fans, seven listed companies will be in focus due to this mega tournament.

As per the official website, the FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be the biggest and most spectacular edition of the showpiece tournament in history. Notably, the event will be staged across three nations for the first time, with 48 countries set to compete for the most illustrious prize in the game.

FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted by nations like Canada, Mexico and the United States. The other 45 places will be determined by qualifying competitions from each continental confederation.

Here are the details of why the below-mentioned seven stocks will be in focus due to the FIFA World Cup 2026, even at the time of qualifiers.

1. Anheuser-Busch Inbev SA:

The popular beer brand Budweiser has a long relationship with FIFA as one of its sponsors. Last year, AB InBev extended its nearly 40-year-old partnership as the official beer sponsor of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 and the FIFA World Cup 2026.

FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai in June last year said, "As one of our longest-standing sponsors, AB InBev's investment will benefit the game, as well as football development all over the world while bringing creativity and excitement to the experience that football fans will have during our most iconic tournaments."

Currently, the BUD stock is at 55.82 euros. The stock has gained by 9.73% so far in six months.

2. McDonald's Corp:

Fast-food franchise McDonald's is also among the long-standing sponsors of FIFA World Cups. Last year, the company also renewed its multi-year-old collaboration to cover both the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 and the FIFA World Cup 2026. The renewal will see McDonald's continuing to sponsor FIFA's flagship tournaments, which will include access to LED branding and the exclusive naming rights to the Fair Play Trophy, which is presented to the team with the best fair play record during FIFA competitions. The award is an important recognition of the values that McDonald's and FIFA share, and the commitment to fair play and respect both on and off the pitch.

McDonald's is a proud supporter of football and has sponsored FIFA tournaments since 1994.

Listed on NYSE, currently, McDonald's Corp's share price stood at $278.62. In six months, the stock is up by 5.68% so far.

3. Hindustan Unilever (HUL):

Indian-based HUL is also among the key sponsors of the FIFA World Cup through its antiperspirant brand Rexona. HUL's parent Unilever has extended their partnerships to FIFA Women's World Cup and further to FIFA World Cup 2026. The collaboration is expected to build on existing projects by Unilever brands, which aim to have a positive impact on communities. Recent work has included Rexona's Breaking Limits programme, which provides funding for community sports and helps young people overcome barriers to being active. The Dove Self-Esteem Project has been inspiring body confidence in the next generation of girls since launching in 2004, reaching over 94 million young people to date.

HUL share price which is listed on BSE and NSE, currently is at Rs 2,245 apiece. In six months, the stock is down by 10.3%. It will be keenly watched whether the FIFA frenzy could attract bulls in HUL shares.

4. Mengniu:

China-based leading dairy product manufacturer, Mengniu has been an official sponsor' of the FIFA World Cups in Qatar 2022 and Russia 2018. Mengniu is a trusted brand for families across China PR. It has a popular range of milk in both powdered and liquid form, yoghurt, pre-packaged ice cream, cheese, butter, and other dairy products.

Listed on Hong Kong exchanges, Mengniu shares are at 18.96 Hong Kong dollars. In six months, the stock has dipped by 26.08%.

Coming to the long-standing partners of the FIFA World Cup such as Coca-Cola, Reebok, Qatar Airways, Visa, and Hyundai. Three of them are listed and among the top stocks.

5. Visa Inc:

A worldwide partner of FIFA since 2007, Visa is the Official Payment Technology Partner of FIFA activities around the world. Visa is the preferred payment service for all goods purchased at official FIFA stores and online at FIFA.com and Visa cardholders also benefit through exclusive access to tickets for FIFA tournaments via Visa-sponsored pre-sale events.

Another NYSE-listed stock, Visa is currently at $280.60. In six months, the stock has zoomed by 22.27%.

6. Hyundai Motor Co:

Hyundai began its alliance with FIFA in 1999, when it signed an agreement to sponsor 13 FIFA competitions including the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan. This agreement was subsequently extended to the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, where Kia first began its football sponsorship activities, followed by a second term as one of six FIFA Partners from 2007 to 2014. In 2010, Hyundai/Kia signed a long-term agreement to continue the partnership until 2022. In May 2023, both Hyundai and KIA further renewed their long-standing partnerships with FIFA until 2030.

As FIFA's official mobility partners, Hyundai and Kia will continue to play crucial roles in ensuring smooth and efficient transportation operations across FIFA's global events and competitions. The automotive manufacturers' extensive global distribution networks will allow them to provide comprehensive vehicle lineups that will fulfil all of FIFA's transportation requirements, enabling the seamless movement of teams, officials and staff.

Listed on the South Korean exchange, Hyundai's share price is at 2,40,500 won. In six months, the stock gained a whopping 26% so far.

7. Coca Cola:

The Coca-Cola Company is one of the longest-standing corporate partners of FIFA, with a formal association beginning in 1974 and an official sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup since 1978. Coca-Cola has had stadium advertising at every FIFA World Cup since 1950. Further, FIFA and The Coca-Cola Company have a partnership through 2030 supporting the broad spectrum of FIFA-organized events around the globe, including FIFA's Youth-, Women's- and Men's Tournaments.

Coco-Cola shares that are listed on the NYSE are currently at $60.54. In six months, the upside is around 8.20%.

How Does FIFA World Cups Influence the Stock Market?

A study that was highlighted by Acuity Trading, revealed that a critical aspect of behavioural trading during FIFA is to account for the market sentiment. Also, traders may not be aware of the assets directly driven by FIFA, such as the stocks of sports gear or sponsoring companies. Further, the announcement of the destination of the World Cup helps boost the hosting country's tourism sector, GDP and job opportunities, pushing the economy higher and creating more trading opportunities.

Acuity Trading's study was launched last year and further emphasized that since traders are increasingly integrating World Cup predictions into their trading strategies, market movements are affected by speculations regarding the result of a match. Make sure you facilitate access to adequate information and insights to assist your traders in making quick trading decisions at this time.

Disclaimer: The write-up is just for information purposes, and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold. We have not done fundamental or technical analysis and have no opinion on the stock mentioned. Neither, the author nor Greynium Information Technologies should be held liable for any losses. Please consult a professional advisor.