IndyCar celebrating 2026 World Cup with drivers wearing special firesuits for home countries

IndyCar and Fox are teaming up to celebrate the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, by incorporating soccer-themed elements into their upcoming race. On June 7, during the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis, 12 IndyCar drivers will wear special firesuits and helmets designed to resemble the national kits of their respective soccer teams. The promotion aims to build excitement ahead of the World Cup, with the race airing on Fox, which also holds broadcast rights for the tournament. The drivers involved represent a mix of countries, including Spain, the U.S., and Sweden, among others. Alex Palou, the current IndyCar leader and four-time champion, will represent Spain, a nation with a strong soccer tradition. Palou, who won the 2025 Indy 500, has shown enthusiasm for the event, noting that Spain’s success in soccer motivates him on the track. He also praised the young Spanish talent Lamine Yamal, who will make his World Cup debut. Josef Newgarden, a two-time IndyCar champion, expressed pride in the U.S. hosting the World Cup and praised Fox’s involvement in broadcasting both IndyCar and the soccer tournament. The promotional spot will air during the race, which begins at 9 p.m. ET, adding a unique twist to the motorsport event. The drivers described the experience as fun and energetic, breaking from their usual routine to participate in the soccer-themed promotion. While the focus remains on IndyCar’s competitive season, this collaboration with the World Cup adds a global and cultural dimension to the sport. The event underscores the growing intersection between motorsports and soccer, particularly as the World Cup expands its reach into North America.