Santa (Jon Hamm) is pictured as part of the FOX Sports star-studded FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 commercial, also featuring Tom Brady, Mariah Carey and Ellie Kemper. (Image courtesy of and copyright FOX Sports Press Pass)
Fri, Oct 7th 2022 10:35 am
‘Tis the FIFA World Cup’ creative campaign continues spreading cheer as celebrities, US Men’s National Team soccer players unite to spotlight world’s biggest sporting event, taking place for first time ever during holiday season
√ Click here to watch ‘Superfan Santa’
FOX Sports, America’s English-language home for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, revealed the newest commercial in the network’s festive “ ‘Tis the FIFA World Cup” creative campaign with a star-studded spot titled, “Superfan Santa,” promoting the anticipated tournament airing Sunday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Dec. 18, across FOX Sports’ platforms.
The campaign picks up following this summer’s buzzworthy premiere, which saw Emmy Award-winning actor Jon Hamm, executive producer and star of FOX’s upcoming animated comedy series “Grimsburg,” appearing as Santa Claus on vacation and discovering the news of the FIFA World Cup taking place during the holiday season.
A press release said, “In this new installment, we head to the North Pole where Emmy-nominated actress Ellie Kemper (‘The Office’) stars as Mrs. Claus. Seven-time NFL Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, and multi-Grammy-winning artist and the ‘Queen of Christmas’ Mariah Carey join the jolly duo, making can’t-miss cameos as their legendary selves. Finally, the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) takes a seat at the holiday dinner table, as teammates Christian Pulisic, Walker Zimmerman, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Jesús Ferreira and Yunus Musah join in on the fun.” The spot makes its network premiere Sunday, Oct. 9, across the FOX NFL schedule.
The press release continued, “FOX Sports’ ‘Superfan Santa’ opens on Santa Claus in the North Pole, sitting behind his desk staring at a wall of TVs showing international soccer highlights. Frustrated with the change of focus around the holidays, Mrs. Claus lifts his spirits, suggesting a crowd of U.S. fans chanting in the stands are, in a way, caroling. Santa’s heart grows three times bigger as he realizes how amazing the FIFA World Cup is, and the platform it provides for him to spread holiday cheer. He imagines scenarios of people watching the matches as he rattles off ideas to his elves: Brady in his kitchen commenting on Cristiano Ronaldo’s play, Carey with her glam squad being far too busy given the time of year, and the USMNT passing dishes at an elaborate Thanksgiving feast. Santa realizes that the U.S. winning it all would be the best gift American fans can receive, and he pictures himself leading a celebratory march down the streets of New York City. At last, Santa accepts sharing the holiday season with the highly celebrated FIFA World Cup tournament is the gift that keeps on giving.”
Robert Gottlieb, president of marketing for FOX Sports, shared his excitement in seeing the campaign concept come to life: “The 2022 World Cup is completely historic and unique because it’s the first time the tournament will take place during the holiday season, and our creative campaign featuring some of today’s biggest stars is focused on letting people know just how special this moment will be. Combining the greatest sporting event in the world with the most fun and festive time of the year is a supersize gift for fans.”
Added Hamm: “Working with FOX Sports to help set the stage for this historic winter World Cup has been a blast. Like Santa, I am also a huge World Cup fan, and I can’t wait to see the U.S. team take on the world in November. I believe!”
And finally, Brady chimed, “I’m a huge fan of all these athletes, and seeing them perform is really special. It was great to be a part of FOX Sports’ ad campaign. So, when the games get going, I’ll be watching the world’s best compete at the highest level in the World Cup.”
The “ ‘Tis the FIFA World Cup” creative campaign was created in-house by FOX Sports marketing and led by freelance Creative Director Gary Van Dzura. For a list of credits for “Superfan Santa,” click here.
From Sunday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Dec. 18, FOX Sports will present all 64 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches live across FOX and FS1, with every match livestreaming on the FOX Sports app. “Breakfast, Lunch and Winners” (8 and 11 a.m., 2 p.m. ET) start times will provide fans with a new morning routine through the Round of 16.
For more information, visit FOX Sports Press Pass and follow @FOXSportsPR on Twitter.