Atlanta, June 22, 2026 - For the first time in FIFA World Cup™ history, Coca‑Cola is expanding the traditional coin toss beyond the pitch, naming a select group of influential voices from across North America as official Coca‑Cola Coin Toss Assistants for the FIFA World Cup 26™.
 

Kicked off last Tuesday, Temwa Chawinga, Kansas City Current forward and two-time NWSL MVP and Golden Boot winner, was the inaugural Coin Toss Assistant representing Coca‑Cola’s strategy of recognizing individuals who have played a meaningful role in growing the game. “Being able to be a part of this iconic ritual in my team’s city was a moment I’ll never forget. To see all the fans in the stadium from not only our community, but the world was incredible,” Temwa says. “I look forward to seeing all the people who get to share this unique experience alongside me.”
 

Last Thursday, Christine Sinclair, Canadian professional soccer player and record holder for the most international goals scored by any player, was the Coca‑Cola Coin Toss assistant for the FIFA World Cup 26™ match #27 - Canada vs. Qatar, in Vancouver, Canada - with several more well-known faces taking to the fields across the entirety of the tournament.
 

“It’s incredibly special to be part of this historic tournament in my own backyard and I'm honored to have served as a Coca‑Cola Coin Toss Assistant in Vancouver,” said Christine. “I’m thrilled to have helped kick off what I know will be an unforgettable celebration of soccer and celebrate the role this sport has held in my life.”
 

These individuals expand from investors and advocates expanding access to soccer, to creators and athletes who have built fandoms and shaped cultural momentum across the region.
 

Standing alongside the referee and team captains at midfield, Coca‑Cola Coin Toss Assistants help present the match coin and take part in the ceremonial start that sets each match in motion.
 

“Coca‑Cola’s Coin Toss Assistant program celebrates some of the many figures behind the growth of soccer in North America. We're thrilled to have these prominent figures, soccer fans and pivotal leaders be a part of the official start of the game for select matches, and feel the deeply rooted connection that Coca‑Cola has to the pulse of the game." said Miguel Saucedo, Senior Director, Marketing Activation for the FIFA World Cup 26™, Coca‑Cola.
 

"It’s an honor to be part of a moment that brings the world together. As a proud owner of the Seattle Sounders FC, it's especially meaningful to celebrate this moment in a city that worked so hard to bring The FIFA World Cup™ here,” said multi-platinum Grammy-winning global superstar, Ciara and Coca‑Cola Coin Toss Assistant of last Friday’s match in Seattle. "The FIFA World Cup™ is bigger than the game. The culture, connection, and community is so special, and a reminder of the power sports have to inspire and unite people.”
 

The inaugural class of Coca‑Cola Coin Toss Assistants helping grow the game includes: Temwa Chawinga, Christine Sinclair, Ciara, Issa Rae, Uzo Aduba, Carmen Villalobos, Cristo Fernandez and more to be revealed throughout the tournament.
 

June 16 — Temwa Chawinga, Kansas City

June 18 — Christine Sinclair, Toronto

June 19 — Ciara, Seattle

June 28 — Cristo Fernandez, Los Angeles

July 7 — Jon Montgomery, Vancouver

July 9 — Uzo Aduba, Boston

July 10 — Issa Rae, Los Angeles

July 11 — Carmen Villalobos, Miami
 

For more information, visit www.coca-cola.com.
 

About The Coca‑Cola Company

The Coca‑Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca‑Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and Santa Clara. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.