David Beckham tipped as 2026 World Cup’s biggest winner, set to earn about $25M

They have proved to be the most controversial aspect of the World Cup, splitting games into four quarters rather than two halves and infuriating millions across the globe. But one man, at least, is rather fond of the hydration break.

Step forward, Sir David Beckham. It may be two decades since he graced a World Cup as an England player. But, without kicking a single ball, he is emerging as one of the tournament’s biggest winners, the Daily Mail writes.

The former England captain is on course to bank £19 million (about $25 million) from a flood of television advertising campaigns during the 40-day tournament in the US, the Mail on Sunday can reveal. And the hydration breaks play a vital role.

Sir David, 51, has become impossible to avoid for American viewers, popping up in a string of World Cup-themed commercials for household names including Pepsi, McDonald’s, Lay’s crisps, Stella Artois, Home Depot, Bank of America, Verizon and Adidas. During Wednesday’s Scotland versus Brazil game adverts featuring him aired during the pre-game show, during both hydration breaks and at half-time.