Abstract The last month has offered a strong example of how global marketing is changing. In early April 2026, the LEGO Group launched a football-centered campaign tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026 cycle and built around four globally recognized players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior. Official company materials and major news coverage show that the campaign was not limited to a single advertisement or endorsement deal; it was tied to a broa