The The Killers will headline the 2026 UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi®, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing strategy of connecting football, music, and global fan culture through high-impact entertainment moments. The performance will take place ahead of the final at Puskás Aréna in Budapest on Saturday 30 May.
As one of the most visible brand platforms in global sport, the Kick Off Show continues to evolve into a premium advertising and cultural touchpoint, reaching millions of fans across broadcast, digital, and social channels. By partnering with globally recognized talent like The Killers, Pepsi amplifies its positioning at the intersection of music, sport, and entertainment.
With more than 35 million albums sold worldwide and a catalogue including multi-platinum anthems such as Mr. Brightside, When You Were Young and Human, the band brings cross-generational appeal that aligns with Pepsi’s strategy to engage diverse and global audiences.
The activation extends beyond the live performance. To launch this year’s campaign, Pepsi introduces a branded short film titled The Race Begins, featuring lead singer Brandon Flowers alongside David Beckham. The cinematic piece blends storytelling and brand integration, following both figures in a playful race to reach the final, reinforcing anticipation while driving digital engagement and shareability.
This campaign is part of a broader 360° marketing ecosystem that includes always-on digital content, social media amplification, influencer collaborations, and retail activations, ensuring the Kick Off Show resonates before, during, and after the event. The initiative exemplifies how Pepsi continues to transform sponsorship into a fully integrated brand experience.
“The UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi has grown into a true landmark moment in global entertainment and marketing,” said Guy-Laurent Epstein, co-managing director of UC3. “This collaboration demonstrates how sport and entertainment can be leveraged to create deeper fan connections and global cultural relevance.”
The Killers added: “When we were asked to perform at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi we said ‘Yes’ without hesitation; some stages speak for themselves. We’re honoured to be part of a moment that connects fans around the world.”
Broadcast globally, the performance will be available via local broadcasters, UEFA platforms, and the official UEFA YouTube channel, extending the campaign’s reach and reinforcing Pepsi’s presence across multiple touchpoints in the fan journey.
