Hyundai Motor Company will send 1,500 vehicles and four Boston Dynamics Spot robots to FIFA World Cup 2026.
The tournament takes place across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, making it the largest World Cup yet by footprint.
Hyundai’s fleet comprises 994 passenger vehicles and 506 buses, used to ferry national teams, officials, media and tournament staff.
The passenger-vehicle list covers familiar Hyundai and Genesis models, including the Palisade, Santa Fe, Tucson, Santa Cruz, Kona, Sonata, Elantra, Creta, Creta Grand and Genesis GV80. Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) versions would be available on selected models, although Hyundai is not presenting this as a mainly electrified fleet.
Then come the robot dogs.
Hyundai would deploy four customised Boston Dynamics Spot robots as part of its role as FIFA’s Official Robotics Partner. The robots would be used for autonomous patrols, real-time site monitoring and inspection work.
They would operate at the International Broadcast Center in Dallas and New York-New Jersey Stadium.
The event also gives Hyundai a rare chance to put its robotics business in front of a global audience. Hyundai has been a FIFA partner for 27 years, but this is the first major activation since its robotics role was renewed.
So yes, it is sponsorship. But at least this one comes with buses, SUVs and robot dogs.
