McDonald's Offers Free Collectibles Amidst Slow Sales of World Cup Promotion
The fast-food giant is now giving away FIFA World Cup collectible cups with a $7 purchase through its app, sparking speculation about demand for the promotion.
McDonald's is offering its limited-edition FIFA World Cup 2026 collectible cups for free with any $7 purchase made through its mobile app, a move that has led to speculation online about the promotion's initial reception. Previously, customers had to purchase a specific FIFA World Cup 26 Meal, which includes a Big Mac or Chicken McNuggets and a Big Mac Sauce, or a breakfast equivalent, to receive one of the nine collectible cups featuring international soccer stars and McDonald's characters.
The shift in strategy allows customers to obtain the cups without buying the dedicated meal, potentially indicating lower-than-expected demand for the promotional items. While McDonald's has not directly addressed the reason for the change, customer commentary suggests that the appeal of disposable, soccer-themed cups may be limited in the U.S. market compared to other collectible campaigns.
Some customers expressed a desire for more durable or reusable collectible items and questioned the utility of the cups, especially as McDonald's phases out in-store refill machines. There is also online theorizing that the free cup offer might be a tactic to steer customers away from using other discount coupons, as the app typically allows only one coupon code per purchase.
Alongside the collectible cups, McDonald's also released FIFA-themed Squishmallow plush toys as part of its Happy Meal offering for younger fans. These plushies, featuring soccer-inspired designs, come with scannable codes that unlock a digital game. McDonald's stated that the partnership with the FIFA World Cup 26 aims to leverage shared joy and bring the excitement of the game to life globally through its food and experiences.
This promotion follows a pattern of McDonald's releasing limited-time themed meals and merchandise. In December, the chain offered Grinch-themed meals with pickle-flavored fries, and in March, it launched Kpop Demon Hunters meals in conjunction with a Netflix film. These prior promotions have since been removed to make way for current offerings.