Hails & Fails – June 19th 2026
This week’s Hails & Fails is a World Cup special. Deliveroo, ASOS and Tesco all walk away with three points after finding clever ways to tap into football fever, whether that’s through giant pizzas, rapid shirt deliveries or even football-themed lettuces. But while brands are enjoying the tournament, FIFA continues to face criticism over the cost of attending matches.
HAILS
Deliveroo goes big with Peter Crouch
Deliveroo has teamed up with Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy to launch a 6ft 7in pizza inspired by the former England striker’s towering frame. It’s a brilliantly simple idea that immediately makes sense the moment you hear it. The execution is just as fun as the concept, tapping into the matchday occasion while giving fans something to smile about. Football campaigns don’t always need to be complicated.
ASOS delivers shirts in 25 minutes
ASOS has partnered with Deliveroo to offer on-demand delivery of limited-edition football shirts in as little as 25 minutes. The speed alone is enough to grab attention, but the idea also feels genuinely useful for fans scrambling to get match-ready before kick-off. It’s another strong week for Deliveroo, which appears twice in this edition, and another example of the brand finding smart ways to insert itself into football culture.
Tesco gives lettuce the World Cup treatment
Tesco has transformed iceberg lettuces into footballs by printing tournament-inspired designs directly onto the produce. The idea is wonderfully simple, which is exactly why it works. World Cup fever has reached the salad aisle and somehow it feels entirely natural. Not every campaign needs a celebrity ambassador or huge budget. Sometimes a football-shaped lettuce is enough.
FAIL
FIFA's ticketing debate rolls on
The football on the pitch has been excellent, but FIFA continues to face criticism over ticket prices and accessibility at the World Cup. Reports of expensive seats and concerns around attendance have become a recurring talking point throughout the tournament, threatening to overshadow some of the action. While FIFA’s broader strategy may still prove commercially successful, the ongoing conversation around affordability isn’t going away.
