The McDonald’s Cup is an annual employee-only, 5-a-side football tournament that takes place across the UK & ROI. It was launched over 15 years ago to boost perceptions of McDonald’s as a good place to work, and ensure they felt included in the brand’s wider football sponsorships.
The aim is to excite and motivate the UK workforce, providing opportunities to meet and engage with employees from other restaurants in a non-work capacity. Teams get to compete against one another on the pitch, but also off it – with fun prizes up for grabs for all who take part. In its biggest year to date, a record number of teams entered the 2025 McDonald’s Cup, representing nearly 60% of restaurants across the UK & Ireland. 854 teams registered to take part, including over 100 female teams and the equivalent of nearly 7,000 employees.
16 regional heats across 5 countries culminated in a national final’s day at Hampden Park, the home of Scottish football – an unforgettable experience that turned everyday crew into champions on one of the most iconic stages in the UK.
Far more than just a football competition, the McDonald’s Cup celebrated opportunity, inclusion, and belonging. It empowered employees to grow in confidence, connect across regions and experience the teamwork that has always been at the heart of the brand. 92% of participants rated the experience as enjoyable or very enjoyable, and 63% said it made them prouder to work for McDonald’s.
