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The FIFA World Cup 26 is coming to Canada, and Kia Canada, a proud FIFA partner, is giving 13 Canadian youth a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be an Official Match Ball Carrier (OMBC).
The Official Match Ball Carriers will take center stage by delivering the official match ball to the referee at a Canadian-hosted match during FIFA World Cup 26, either in Toronto or Vancouver, to mark the start of the game.
Kia Canada is currently selecting seven athletes to serve as Official Match Ball Carriers, representing Canada at the Official Match Ball Carrier Cup—an international soccer tournament in Los Angeles in 2026. The Canadian OMBC team will compete against teams from nine other countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, England, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, and the United States, in hopes of bringing home the OMBC Cup.
"We're so excited to give young Canadians the opportunity to live out their dreams of stepping on a FIFA World Cup pitch as an Official Match Ball Carrier," says Michael Kopke, Director of Marketing at Kia Canada. "The Inspiring Stories program is an opportunity to spotlight Canadian youth who are inspiring others through their actions and give them the chance to be part of the biggest sporting event in the world."
Do you know an inspiring Canadian youth who loves soccer? Kia Canada is searching for six Canadian youth, born between June 2011 and July 2016, to serve as Official Match Ball Carriers at the FIFA World Cup 26.
Starting today, parents or guardians can nominate a Canadian youth through a video submission. We want to know:
- Do they have a remarkable, unique story?
- Are they bold? Tell us how they overcome challenges, drive progress, or make a difference
- Do they inspire others through their actions
- Are they passionate about soccer?
Registration is now open at Kia.ca/OMBC and closes on November 30, 2025. The OMBC Inspiring Stories Program is open to Canadian youth born between June 2011 – July 2016.
Agencies behind the Inspiring Stories campaign:
- Public Relations: Strategic Objectives
- Brand: Kia Canada
(click on the link to view the agency's Vendor Directory listing)
