Soccer, within the framework of the celebration of the longest World Cup in history, is being a source of inspiration for brands of all categories. An example of this is “Team Forest”, the new campaign launched by World Wildlife Fund International (WWF), which takes advantage of the capacity of sport and events to unite society in the protection of forests and nature.
It is based on the idea that we all play in the same field, our planet, and therefore we must unite in the same team, in the same effort to defend the environment. He captures it in a spectacular piece that capitalizes on the energy and emotion of football to send a message of belonging and a call to action in favor of forests.
The spot shows people playing soccer and stunt performers running and jumping across the forest floor, climbing tree trunks and crossing treetops. In such a way that the environment is presented as a playing field, not as a simple backdrop. It ends with the phrase “Football belongs to all of us. So do the forests.” The video, worked together with Studio Birthplace, uses special effects and images shot in the Lorong Oxygen Forest, in Indonesia.
The campaign is a reminder that tropical forests are threatened and that protecting them is a task that all of society must undertake together. “No matter where you are from, forests are fundamental to life. But forests are in danger and urgently need our support. As the world comes together for the Football World Cup, we invite everyone to join Team Forest and support these vital ecosystems that sustain us. Let’s play for the home we all share!”commented Kirsten Schuijt, General Director of WWF, in a statement.
The campaign includes a digital experience that allows users to join Team Forest. Thus, WWF is inviting you to visit the website enabled for the occasion and add a personalized avatar to form a global team in defense of forests. Additionally, they can find additional information about forests, the challenges they face, and actions they can take to help protect and restore ecosystems.
The strategy is supported by actions and collaborations that WWF maintains with the football industry internationally. In Mexico, for example, he partnered with Raúl Jiménez, a Wolverhampton Wanderers player, to conserve the Mexican wolf; or with Albert Roger Milla in Cameroon to raise awareness about climate change. In 2025, WWF partnered with the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) to address single-use plastic pollution in football.
“Football not only fills stadiums, but shapes identities, transcends borders and drives collective action like no other sport, becoming one of the most powerful vehicles for positive change on our planet.“said Juan Martín Muller, Communication and Education Manager of WWF-Ecuador, in a statement. “And that is precisely what Team Forest represents: a unique opportunity for the global community to come together and play for our common home.””.
