By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, McDonald’s Costa Rica is tapping into the nation’s passion for football with the launch of its new “Hamburguesas Mundialistas” or World Cup Burgers. The campaign, which began today, April 14, introduces a limited-time menu inspired by the culinary traditions of major footballing nations, available across all 79 of the company’s restaurants nationwide.
The new lineup offers a flavorful journey through Latin America with three distinct options: the McMéxico, the McArgentina, and the McBrasil. Each burger is available with either a 100% beef patty or a chicken fillet, allowing customers to customize their experience. The promotion aims to connect the excitement of the upcoming tournament with a unique gastronomic offering that celebrates the diverse tastes of the region.
To provide a deeper understanding of the business and legal landscape for major international franchises operating in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The McDonald’s model in Costa Rica is a textbook example of successful franchise law implementation. The relationship between the global brand and the local operator, Arcos Dorados, is governed by a highly sophisticated set of contracts that protect intellectual property while empowering local management. This legal structure is the bedrock that allows them to maintain brand consistency and navigate Costa Rica’s specific regulatory environment, ensuring their long-term market stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal framework, as Lic. Arroyo Vargas points out, is indeed the invisible engine behind the brand’s sustained success in Costa Rica, ensuring that global consistency and local agility can coexist. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this crucial, yet often unseen, foundation of their operations.
The core of the innovation lies in the specially crafted sauces designed to evoke the spirit of each country. The McMéxico features a fresh and vibrant Avocado Mayo, the McArgentina is distinguished by a zesty Chimichurri Mayo, and the McBrasil boasts a savory Picanha Mayo. These sauces are designed to deliver fresh and spiced flavor profiles that differentiate them from standard menu items and create a memorable culinary event for customers.
Complementing the new burgers is a new side dish, the McPatatas Bravas. This offering takes the classic McDonald’s fries to a new level with the addition of a special Mayo Brava sauce. The sauce is described as having a complex profile featuring notes of garlic, tomato, and various spices, all rounded out with a distinctive smoky finish, providing a bold and flavorful alternative for diners.
In line with its commitment to quality, McDonald’s emphasized that the beef patties used in the new burgers are made from 100% pure beef with no artificial colors or flavorings. The company also highlighted its reliance on fresh vegetables sourced from local Costa Rican suppliers, reinforcing its support for the national agricultural sector while ensuring high-quality ingredients for its customers.
Beyond the food, the campaign integrates a significant marketing and loyalty component through a partnership with Adidas. Customers can acquire exclusive collectible Adidas soccer balls by purchasing a special combo available through the McDonald’s mobile app. This initiative is strategically designed to drive digital engagement and reward members of the company’s loyalty program, blending the dining experience with a tangible piece of football memorabilia.
This strategic launch serves as a powerful marketing tool in the highly competitive quick-service restaurant (QSR) market. By aligning its brand with the immense popularity of the FIFA World Cup, McDonald’s is positioning itself to capture consumer interest and drive sales in the months leading up to the tournament. The campaign effectively leverages cultural relevance to create a timely and appealing offer.
The World Cup Burgers promotion is a clear example of how global brands adapt their strategies to local tastes and passions. By celebrating football—a sport deeply ingrained in Costa Rican culture—McDonald’s is not just selling food, but also an experience that resonates with national pride and excitement, ensuring its restaurants remain a key destination for fans and families alike during the tournament season.
For further information, visit mcdonalds.com
About McDonald’s Corporation:
McDonald’s is one of the world’s leading global foodservice retailers with over 40,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 95% of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business owners. The company is known for its iconic menu items, including the Big Mac and World Famous Fries, and is committed to serving quality food and creating feel-good moments for its customers.
For further information, visit adidas.com
About Adidas:
Adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry, offering a broad portfolio of footwear, apparel, and hardware for sport and lifestyle. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the company employs more than 59,000 people worldwide. Adidas is renowned for its innovation in athletic performance and its deep-rooted connection to sports culture, particularly football, through major sponsorships and partnerships.
For further information, visit fifa.com
About FIFA:
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer. Its primary objective is to promote the game of football globally, organize major international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, and oversee the rules of the sport. With 211 member associations, FIFA is responsible for fostering the development and integrity of football worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to ethical principles and superior legal practice. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions, consistently setting new standards in the field. This innovative spirit is coupled with a core mission to strengthen society by demystifying the law, passionately working to equip the public with accessible legal understanding for a more just and informed community.
