TL;DR
- David Beckham shares his World Cup memories.
- He predicts Japan as a sleeper team.
- Beckham reflects on his captaincy pride.
- Teamed up with McDonald’s for a campaign.
- Excited for the World Cup in the US.
Soccer fever is heating up as we gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and who better to dish out the deets than English soccer legend David Beckham? The former superstar, who graced the World Cup pitch three times in ’98, ’02, and ’06, recently spilled the tea on his top predictions, favorite memories, and even a new McDonald’s campaign featuring some of soccer’s biggest names.
“As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been excited about World Cups,” Beckham reminisced in a chat with ABC News, recalling the thrill of hanging the English flag outside his East London home. “Watching your heroes play is something special,” he added, naming England No. 7 Bryan Robson as his childhood idol. Beckham vividly recalls Robson’s legendary quick goal against France in 1982, only to see him dislocate his shoulder days later. Talk about a rollercoaster!
When it comes to his own World Cup highlights, Beckham’s favorite moment was scoring his first goal for England on his mum’s birthday—a stunning 30-yard free kick that helped England clinch a 2-0 victory over Colombia in ’98. “Walking out as captain of your country in a World Cup is my biggest and best memory. The responsibility is incredible,” he said, beaming with pride.
Now at 51, Beckham, who hung up his boots in 2013 after a stellar 21-year career, is keeping the soccer spirit alive in the U.S. as the owner of Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF. He’s ready to soak up the World Cup action from his sunny Florida home, and when asked who he hopes will hoist the trophy, he didn’t hesitate: “I’m always going to say England—especially since it’s been 60 years since we last won the World Cup. It’s about time!”
But Beckham also has his eyes on some surprise contenders. “There’s always a surprise in a World Cup, whether it’s a player or a country that emerges. I think the Japanese team has a really strong squad—they could be the dark horse,” he said, throwing some love to the Land of the Rising Sun.
In addition to his World Cup insights, Beckham is also promoting a new McDonald’s campaign alongside fellow soccer legends, including his longtime rival Thierry Henry. “We’ve worked together quite a few times, and there’s a good kind of banter between us. We were huge rivals back in the day, and now it’s all fun,” he shared.
As for his McDonald’s order? “I love the hash browns, they’re the best!” Beckham revealed, listing off his go-to meal: a Big Mac, cheeseburger, large fries (which he cheekily admits always end up in the cheeseburger), and a large strawberry milkshake. Yum!
When he’s not busy with soccer or munching on fast food, Beckham has taken up a new hobby: gardening. “It’s my happy place. I can’t lie,” he said, chuckling. “Every weekend I’m in the countryside with my vegetables and chickens. I used to be cool, riding motorbikes in LA, and now I’m a gardener. It’s a different kind of cool!”
With the World Cup just around the corner, fans can expect plenty of excitement and surprises, and who knows? Maybe Beckham’s predictions will lead us to the next big thing in soccer. Stay tuned!