The Football Association (FA) has drawn inspiration from The Beatles in a creative campaign surrounding England’s squad announcement for the 2026 World Cup. Following a concept similar in ambition to the memorable moments from the 2012 London Olympics, the FA’s marketing team sought to capture a sense of national pride and unity by incorporating one of Liverpool’s most iconic contributions to global culture.

The idea emerged during preparations for the unveiling of Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad at Wembley in June, as well as ahead of two friendly matches held in Florida. An insider revealed that the marketing team initially viewed a Beatles-themed film as a bold, somewhat challenging endeavor due to the need for close collaboration with Apple Corps, the company founded by The Beatles in 1968. Approval was required from Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Ringo Starr, and the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison, all of whom supported the project.

The film, produced by creative agency Dirty Vanilla, features a striking sequence set in the streets of New York, opening with archival footage of John Lennon during The Beatles’ first U.S. tour in 1964. This choice references the band’s historic conquest of America, symbolically paralleling England’s ambitions on the football pitch. The project carefully balanced homage without arrogance, aiming instead to inspire and entertain fans.

The song selected for the film was “Come Together,” the opening track from The Beatles’ 1969 album Abbey Road. Its lyrics, written by Lennon and McCartney and originally associated with psychologist Timothy Leary’s political campaign in California, align with the sentiments expressed by England’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel. The term “brotherhood” has been central to Tuchel’s message throughout the World Cup preparations. He emphasized that success depends not solely on individual talent but on creating strong team chemistry, or “brotherhood,” which then extends to supporters.

While the FA’s use of “Come Together” was not intended as a political statement, its theme of unity resonates amid times of global uncertainty. The FA spokeswoman described the campaign as a celebration of the joy that England’s World Cup journey brings to the nation, highlighting the significance of collaboration with The Beatles’ family estates.

Tuchel and his players have also expressed enthusiasm for the film, which complements England’s broader efforts to build cohesion and foster national pride ahead of the tournament. The initiative stands as an example of how cultural icons can be leveraged to enhance sporting endeavors on an international stage.