Clint Dempsey and Unilever Team Up to Keep Fans Fresh — and Offer a Shot at World Cup 26™ Tickets

Former U.S. star Clint Dempsey fronts Unilever’s World Cup 26™ fan push

Unilever has announced a new fan-focused promotion tied to FIFA World Cup 26™, and it’s bringing a familiar face to the party: U.S. soccer veteran Clint Dempsey. The short version: buy select Unilever men’s care products, get a branded gift pack or a chance to win World Cup tickets, and see Dempsey in ads that link everyday grooming to big-game moments.

This is a consumer promotion meant to build excitement ahead of the tournament. It’s aimed at shoppers who already use Unilever brands and at casual fans who might be nudged by Dempsey’s name and the promise of match tickets or exclusive merchandise.

Which brands, what tone, and what Clint Dempsey is saying

The campaign runs across Unilever’s men’s personal-care portfolio, with Dove Men+Care called out as a headline brand. Other labels in the promotion include long-standing mass-market names in deodorant and body care. The creative leans into a mix of everyday readiness and football passion — short spots and social posts showing Dempsey getting ready for match-day moments, with a light, upbeat tone rather than hard-sell advertising.

In materials announcing the tie-up, Dempsey is presented as both a former player and a fan. The release quotes him saying the World Cup is an experience that unites supporters and that he’s glad to help bring that feeling to people who might not otherwise travel to matches. Unilever’s spokespeople frame the effort as a way to reward customers and create shareable moments during the run-up to the tournament.

How fans can enter and what they might win

The promotion is straightforward. Shoppers who buy participating products will find entry details on-pack or on the brand’s promotional panels. Purchases typically unlock either an instant gift pack — think branded grooming items and small merchandise — or an entry into a sweepstakes for match tickets and travel-related prizes.

Expect the usual rules: codes or receipts must be submitted through the promotion’s entry portal, and winners are selected by lottery. The prize pool focuses on match tickets for World Cup 26™, plus some hospitality-style packages. Gift packs are offered while supplies last, and larger prizes are awarded later in the promotion timeline.

Why Unilever is using a sports tie-up and a known player

Big sports moments are a reliable way to boost household brands because they stir strong emotions and create repeated viewing. For Unilever, the World Cup provides a global stage — even if this particular push looks domestic — and a chance to lock in shoppers during a period of heightened attention.

Using a recognizable former player like Dempsey helps the campaign feel authentic to U.S. fans. Celebrity athletes bring credibility to sports-themed ads and can broaden appeal beyond the core consumer base. For Unilever, the stunt is a mix of brand-building and short-term sales activation: the ads raise awareness, while the promotions encourage immediate purchase and product trial.

Where to buy, basic rules and where to learn more

The push is described as a U.S.-focused promotion in the announcement, and participating products will appear at major retailers and online sellers. Exact product lists, official rules, deadlines and eligibility terms are published with the promotion materials; those rules will spell out who can enter, age limits, and any travel or visa responsibilities for prize winners.

If you’re curious, check the packaging on Dove Men+Care and other Unilever men’s products for promotion details and entry instructions. The company’s promotional page and on-pack copy will be the official source for dates, prize descriptions and legal notes like no-purchase alternatives or tax responsibilities for winners.

Sources

• prnewswire.com