Wahlberg’s 2026 World Cup Comedy Balls Up Draws Mixed Reviews

Wahlberg’s 2026 comedy Balls Up, a World Cup–tinged sports farce from Peter Farrelly, has landed with mixed notices as it nears release. The film stars Mark Wahlberg opposite Paul Walter Hauser, with a supporting turn by Sacha Baron Cohen.

Early reviews place Balls Up at 30% with critics and 27% with audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a tepid reception for the latest Wahlberg entry. Some reviewers say the premise is more intriguing than the execution, while others dismiss the title and setup as a misstep that never fully lands.

The story follows marketing executives Brad (Wahlberg) and Elijah (Hauser) who pitch a bold World Cup condom sponsorship. A drunken Brazil celebration spirals into a global scandal, forcing them to outrun outraged fans, criminals, and powerful officials to salvage their careers and return home.

Balls Up is currently streaming on Prime Video.

Looking ahead, Wahlberg is set to headline another crime thriller for Paramount, By Any Means, alongside Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Giancarlo Esposito, with Nicole Beharie, David Strathairn, Josh Lucas, and Ethan Embry among the cast. Set against a 1996 Mississippi manhunt, the period piece follows a volatile partnership as they chase down those responsible for civil rights era killings, testing justice, loyalty, and survival. The film is slated for a Labor Day release on September 4, 2026.

Cast notes include Wahlberg alongside Paul Walter Hauser, Benjamin Bratt, and Daniela Melchior in key roles.

• Mark Wahlberg
• Paul Walter Hauser
• Benjamin Bratt
• Daniela Melchior

Balls Up runs about 104 minutes and is directed by Peter Farrelly. The film was released in April 2026 and marks another example in Wahlberg’s string of action-comedies in recent years.

The article also previews Wahlberg’s next project, By Any Means, a period crime thriller from Paramount, with a broader ensemble, and a release aligned with Labor Day weekend.

Source: Original article