Sports broadcaster ESPN, which is owned by the ABC network, enlisted the four band members to narrate four adverts promoting the World Cup, with well-known songs by the band providing the musical backdrop. The World Cup has traditionally been a damp squib in the US, despite being the world's most watched sporting event on television.

This reporter recalls leaving a Boston bar after the miraculous save by Packie Bonner against Romania during the 1990 World Cup. Outside, one Bostonian asked who won, while another interjected that he didn't know there was a baseball game on.

An estimated 95 million people watched last January's Super Bowl on TV, while up to 300 million are expected to watch the broadcast of the World Cup final next month.

ESPN had drafted its advertising campaign and then approached U2, who reviewed scripts for the campaign while flying to from Los Angeles to a concert in Mexico. All four agreed to narrate the ads. A fifth ad, which focuses on the US team, is expected to air this week.

Songs used in the campaign, which was filmed in South Africa and Scotland, include 'City of Blinding Lights', 'I Will Follow' and 'A Beautiful Day'. One of the ads, narrated by bassist Adam Clayton, is about how Scotland failed yet again to qualify, but that fans still cheer on their country. Some eyebrows were raised at the subject choice, as Ireland also failed to qualify.

ESPN did not reply to enquiries on Friday, but it is believed the four band members did not accept payment for the work, with the money instead going to charity.