Hello Kitty Officially Joins the FIFA World Cup With 11 New Designs

Hello Kitty and more beloved Sanrio characters step into the spotlight this month to help Japan celebrate the biggest sporting event of the summer in a new official collab ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The new “Sanrio Characters x Japan National Football Team” merchandise collection, dropping on June 12, includes Sanrio plush toys featuring the brand’s beloved icons in “Samurai Blue” jerseys, along with other collectibles in this exciting collab commemorating the global sporting event.

Hello Kitty and Friends Suit Up for the FIFA World Cup 2026

Several of Sanrio’s heaviest hitters appear in the lineup for the brand’s official collaboration with the Japan National Football Team. The collection features small Sanrio plushies of Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, My Sweet Piano, Cinnamoroll, Pompompourin, Pochacco, Hangyodon, Ahirunopekkle, Gudetama and Ushahana, all sporting the Japan National Football Team’s “Samurai Blue” jerseys.

In addition to the collectible plush dolls, the limited-time Sanrio x Japan Football Association collab includes a versatile selection of exclusive collectibles. Trading collectibles, office supplies, totes, plush toys and more will be available from the “Sanrio Characters x Japan National Football Team” collection starting June 12. After the initial drop, the rest of the merchandise will be made available on June 19.

Fans who can’t purchase the new Sanrio-inspired merch in person at the limited-time pop-up store in Japan between Friday, June 12 and Thursday, June 25 can still purchase items from the collection online via the Tokyo Character Street Online Plaza starting at 10:00 JST on Friday, June 12, 2026.

2026 marks Japan’s eighth appearance in the FIFA World Cup since 1998. This year’s tournament, the 22nd FIFA World Cup, takes place across the United States, Canada and Mexico between June 11 and July 19. It will be the first time Canada has ever hosted a FIFA World Cup event. The United States and Mexico haven’t hosted the World Cup since 1994 and 1986, respectively.

The Japan National Football Team, also known as the “Samurai Blue,” enters the global event with the backing of some of Japan’s most powerful animated characters. Anime powerhouses My Hero Academia from Bones Film (formerly Bones) and Toei Animation’s One Piece have also teamed up with Japan’s national soccer team to show their support ahead of the World Cup beginning this month.

Hello Kitty’s merchandise collaboration with Japan’s team is already a win with fans days before the FIFA World Cup 2026 finally kicks off. With plenty of exclusive collectibles for all kinds of fans, the “Sanrio Characters x Japan National Football Team” merch available starting June 12 is an incredible way to kick off the team’s exciting return to the World Cup.