Super Bowl commercials are more than just ads — they’re cultural moments. In 2026, Budweiser is taking that tradition to new emotional heights with a commercial that celebrates not just the brand’s 150th anniversary of brewing in the U.S., but also America’s 250th birthday.
The commercial, titled “American Icons,” stars two of the most iconic symbols of the United States: the Budweiser Clydesdales and the American bald eagle.
his year marks the 48th time a Budweiser Clydesdale has appeared in a Super Bowl spot, making the horses nearly as legendary in advertising as the game itself.
Adding to the emotional impact is the use of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legendary rock ballad “Free Bird” as the soundtrack, a choice that blends nostalgia, freedom, and timeless energy with the visuals onscreen.
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The ad doesn’t just focus on animals — it also features a real Budweiser barley farmer, Brian Fransen, watching the animal duo grow and bond. In one tender exchange near the end, one farmer asks another, “Are you crying?” to which the reply is the classic line, “Sun’s in my eyes.”
This gentle humor and emotional slice-of-life moment underscores how deeply stories of American spirit and perseverance resonate with audiences.
The commercial was directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Henry-Alex Rubin, who teamed with Budweiser for the third consecutive year to bring this vision to life.
The 60-second “American Icons” spot is scheduled to air nationally during Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 8, 2026, when the Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
