PepsiCo at the heart of UEFA Champions League finals week

Few moments in sport stop the world like a Champions League final — and in 2026, that energy hits twice in seven days. Across two cities and countries — Oslo, Norway on May 23 and Budapest, Hungary on May 30 — football’s biggest finals set the stage for a worldwide celebration of sport, food, drinks, and connection. As global interest in football continues to grow — now reaching 62% worldwide, with over 2 billion fans, this back‑to‑back spotlight marks a defining moment for the game.

For more than a decade, PepsiCo brands including Pepsi, Lay’s, and Gatorade have been part of the Champions League final experience — fueling fandom, elevating performance, and shaping how football is celebrated beyond the pitch. From Oslo to Budapest, here’s how PepsiCo’s brands are showing up on the ground, turning two finals into one powerful, global expression of football culture.

PepsiCo’s brands help launch a historic week for women’s football

Oslo kicks off an unprecedented week for football as it hosts the UEFA Women’s Champions League final — marking a major milestone in the rapid growth of the women’s game. With record‑breaking viewership — up 164% in the 2025/2026 season — rising participation, and women’s football on track to become one of the world’s top five sports by 2030, the moment reflects both where the game is headed and PepsiCo’s long‑standing commitment of expanding the sport's global reach and inspiring the next generation of football fandom. Across Oslo, Pepsi, Gatorade, and Doritos will bring fans live music, fan festivals, grassroots sport, and community-driven experiences.

Opening ceremony

For the first time ever, the Women’s Champions League final features an opening ceremony called the Pepsi Pre-Match Pulse — setting the tone for the weekend with a Pepsi‑branded moment on the pitch designed to energize the stadium and audiences watching around the world.

Game Changers LIVE (May 22–23)

That energy will carry off the pitch at Game Changers LIVE, PepsiCo’s Oslo experience that will bring fans into the action to celebrate the women’s game. Across the two days, Pepsi, Gatorade, and Doritos will deliver a vibrant celebration featuring live DJs and local artists like Norwegian popstar Julie Bergen, match moments, merchandise, and food and drink experiences. Pepsi will drive the cultural pulse through music, crafted beverages, and shared fan energy; Gatorade will offer HIIT, running, and yoga sessions as well as a hub for science talks, testing, and recovery; while Doritos will bring bold flavor and elevated food moments designed to bring people together. Fans can try five Doritos Loaded recipes including Doritos Loaded Hellfire Chicken Nachos, created by multi-Michelin starred chef Gordon Ramsay and recipes featuring local cuisines. 

UEFA fan festival in Oslo

Beyond the stadium, PepsiCo is showing up at the UEFA fan festival — an all‑day, high‑energy hub open to the public. At the Pepsi Pulse Zone, fans can enjoy the football challenge “Fast Feet,” a photo booth to make their own football card and Football Nation’s “write your own rules” activation. Fans can also visit the Pepsi crafted beverages truck, which will serve five crafted beverages made with PepsiCo drinks as a base with a variety of syrups and toppings. Additionally, fans can choose between three bold Doritos Loaded recipes blending global flavors with local twists. It’ll be a go‑to gathering place for fans across Oslo, where football, flavor, and live experiences come together in celebration of the final.

PepsiCo’s longstanding UEFA Champions League partnership continues

The week culminates in Budapest with the UEFA Champions League final, the pinnacle of men’s club football and one of the most watched sporting moments in the world with over 450 million viewers. As PepsiCo marks the 11th year of its UEFA Champions League partnership, Pepsi, Lay’s, and Gatorade will once again bring football culture to life through stadium‑defining entertainment, community-based sport, and fan‑first experiences that connect people to the game and to one another.

Pepsi Kick Off Show

Just minutes before kickoff, The Killers will headline the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. Broadcast worldwide, the live performance will unite football and music fans as anticipation builds for the biggest club fixture of the season. Fans can tune in to watch the Kick Off Show via their local broadcaster and through the official UEFA YouTube channel. The event encapsulates Pepsi’s multi-year global platform, Pepsi Football Nation, celebrating football culture on and off the pitch and bringing fans closer to moments beyond the 90 minutes.

Lay’s RePlay

Away from the stadium, Lay’s RePlay will demonstrate how football can drive impact long after the final whistle. In partnership with the UEFA Foundation for Children and Common Goal, Lay’s will unveil its 13th RePlay pitch — marking the brand’s first in Eastern Europe and its first launch tied to the UEFA men’s Champions League final. Partially made of repurposed Lay’s chip bags, the pitch reflects our PepsiCo Positive (pep+) ambitions by giving packaging a second life while creating lasting value for local youth through sport.

The launch will be celebrated alongside Hungarian footballers Dominik Szoboszlai and Orsolya Dencz, helping spotlight the power of grassroots football to inspire the next generation and strengthen local communities.

Gatorade 5v5

The Gatorade 5v5 football tournament will spotlight grassroots football through fast‑paced matches for boys and girls. Guided by football professionals, the competition will celebrate teamwork and love of the game — reinforcing Gatorade’s focus on hydration, performance, and sports science. The event will feature talent ambassador Javier Zanetti, who will deliver a speech to participating children on Friday, alongside a legends match on Saturday featuring former football players Gaizka Mendieta, Robert Pirès, and Cafu.

UEFA fan festival in Budapest

Just like at the women’s finals, PepsiCo will once again host a UEFA fan festival — the pre-match destination where fans from around the world come together ahead of kickoff. Open to the public, the space will feature a Pepsi-crafted mobile beverage bar with interactive mixology experiences, offering a first taste of exclusive drink recipes alongside iconic Pepsi favorites that celebrate the spirit and hospitality of Budapest.

Two UEFA Champions League finals, one global celebration

As the world’s biggest football moments unfold from Oslo to Budapest, our brands are showing how sport can unite fans through culture, creativity, and community. Together, they’re helping turn the men’s and women’s UEFA Champions League finals into one unforgettable global week — bringing fans closer to the game before, during, and beyond kickoff.