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Every time the FIFA World Cup graces us with its presence we witness a barrage of commercials. Some of these commercials aim to lower that sad number in our bank accounts to Neymar’s level of professional integrity and some aim to elevate our spirit higher than the Brazilian flop machine’s level of acting. Here at The18, we’ve compiled a list of the best World Cup commercials 2018 has given to us and ranked them from worst to best.
If you’re ever done laughing at Neymar “Crystal Legs” Jr., we hope you get to scroll down and enjoy the list! But seriously though, dude makes Viola Davis look like a rookie.
Best World Cup Commercials 2018
#12. The People’s Wagon
First of all, you folks at Volkswagen are relentless for that daily reminder of the U.S.’s absence in the World Cup. Like, seriously, we know! Also, the “It’s okay, you can root for us” approach wasn’t half bad at all. Out of all the countries we could’ve rooted for, Brazil stuck out the most because you straight up fooled with that Brazilian beauty and we straight up can’t resist that.
Oh, and in case you missed it, almost every team promoted on this Volkswagen series has lost. I guess that emissions scandal isn’t the only misfortune oozing from German engineering.
#11. Telemundo’s Copa Mundial
If you thought telenovelas were dramatic and heartwarming, think again! Telemundo’s inspirational short tale of Latino unity is just as majestic as the South American teams that played this year.
#10. BBC: Big, Bold and Classy
This overlooked gem is one of my personal favorites this year with its otherworldly symbolism and daunting Russian opera music. The depiction of the beautiful game with weaved recreations of classic goals simply roars with the theme of destiny. Isn’t that why we love this sport so much? With all its simple yet splendorous power, we step one foot closer into understanding what our spirit is about. A marvelous promo if you ask me.
#9. Pirlo, What Were You Thinking?!
Andrea Pirlo, you majestic Italian eagle, what on Earth were you thinking with this absolutely dry, poor excuse for a commercial. Or better yet, how much they pay you?
Uber Eats and McDonalds teamed up for this soul-crushing promotion for their food delivery services sponsoring this year’s World Cup. Whether you call it food or not, a Spicy McChicken is awesome no less but just look at Pirlo’s eyes, can you see a hint of a soul left? As if teasing Italy’s absence wasn’t enough.
#8. Pepsi, Blue Still Looks Good On You
Pepsi, or as I like to call them, the guys who burnt Michael Jackson’s hair, are back in action once more. They brought in the usual faces of Lionel Messi, Marcelo and Toni Kroos but really spiced things up with Dele Alli and Giovanni do Santos.
My favorite part is the end when we’re all like oh that’s Hope Solo, nice to see her doing well, and then BAM! It’s Carli Lloyd, the two-time Women’s Best Player of the Year. What a boss lady.
#7. Budweiser Does Wall-E
OK, first thing’s first, Budweiser better watch out for Pixar and Disney because this clearly wasn’t an original idea. Although, we’ve got to give them credit for utilizing the ever-so-popular drones and humanizing them for a sweet commercial. The whole drone venturing into the unknown and finding its way to Russia to deliver that beer was a cool journey to see as well.
However, I hope I’m not the only one who thought a drone winking at that pretty lady toward the end wasn’t awkward. What’re you winking for, dronie? That would insinuate you’ve got some sort of hots for her. Oh god, the imagery, never mind.
#6. The Vikings We All Love
When Iceland introduced the world to its electrifying double-clap chant in the last European Championship, we all became instant fan girls. Coca-Cola, which is tastier and way better than Pepsi by the way, reignited that spark we all had for Iceland. It’s a tough team to hate and after watching Iceland stop a penalty from Leo Messi himself, the whole world loves them even more.
Must admit though, still kind of scared of them and I’m sure we’re thankful the pillaging days are over for the Viking folk.
#5. Messi vs. Suarez, Next UFC Fight Night
Leo Messi and Luis Suarez, still a better love story than Twilight. Also both of them and their teams are out so thanks for the disappointing hype, Gatorade. The two Barcelona phenoms put aside their friendship and chemistry to activate that World Cup competitive spirit. Little did they know what was in store for them … oh well, life happens.
As for them fighting each other, I think it’s safe to say Suarez would end Messi with his usual finisher: the Meat Grinder. That was a biting euphemism in case you missed it.
#4. Heart of a Lio
Gatorade clearly knew the money was with Messi, not Suarez. For a football fan who is almost completely indifferent to Messi, this one was really good. Everyone loves a feel-good, rags-to-riches story that will either inspire you to chase your dreams or release your inner Marxist and wallow on the delusion of social mobility.
Where was I going with this? Oh. Yay Messi, best player ever, … don’t cry at work.
#3. The Brand with the Three Stripes
Ever since RUN DMC’s My Adidas, the brand has been an untouchable juggernaut in various subcultures and worlds. In Hip Hop, Adidas is a necessity like water. In football, if it’s not Nike then you know who’s sponsoring the team. In Eastern Europe, if you’re not wearing an Adidas tracksuit then you’re not a proper Slav.
This World Cup ad is eye candy for any football fan and if you can’t tell who you’re looking at, Adidas hooked you up with players and celebrities from across the board.
#2. Nike Goes Full Brazil on Us
Besides the perfect beat to twerk to (please don’t tell my mother I just promoted twerking), Nike’s ad for Brazil echoes the glory of the good ole days. It’s just old school Brasiliero with the happy beat, the flawless grace they naturally have for football and the butterflies we get just knowing Brazil still loves football.
If you didn’t catch it, that little segment of Ronaldo hitting the little post in the airport is actually homage to a 1998 ad, where Ronaldo did the same thing. Those days were golden and Brazil still manages to blow our minds.
#1. One Ad to Rule Them All
This is it. The best World Cup commercial 2018 has seen so far. Brought to you by the master of sick beats Dr. Dre and the legendary British director Guy Ritchie, the creator behind “Snatch,” “King Arthur,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” and many more.
This one is especially good given the gritty, raw storytelling of Ritchie that not only captivates instantly but also encapsulates all that is football: an enthralling rendition of the human spirit.
All of that minus Neymar, of course. Well that went full circle, didn’t it?
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