POP MART’s LABUBU makes a surprise appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony

In the early hours of the morning, the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was held at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, captivating hundreds of millions of viewers around the globe. Yet in China, the most talked-about starter of the night was not a player from any national team—it was LABUBU, the original designer toy IP from China. Created by POP MART’s signed artist Kasing Lung, LABUBU appeared on stage in the form of two giant mascots. One wore Argentina’s national team jersey while proudly holding the FIFA World Cup Trophy, while the other was dressed in Mexico’s colors and carried a bucket of popcorn. Their playful appearance and interactions at the center of the pitch quickly attracted attention from spectators and viewers alike. The performance marked the first time since the tournament’s inception in 1930 that a Chinese original IP had been invited to participate in a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. News of the appearance quickly set Chinese social media ablaze. Hashtags such as #LABUBUDebutsAtTheWorldCup surged into the top trending topics on Weibo. Chinese netizens responded with humor and pride. “This is probably the closest China’s national team has ever come to the World Cup,” one social media user joked, while another wrote, “Other countries start Messi but we start LABUBU.” Following the performance, POP MART announced that its THE MONSTERS × FIFA World Cup collaboration collection, including blind boxes and themed merchandise, had launched simultaneously in more than 40 countries and regions. Online inventory reportedly sold out on the first day. LABUBU’s appearance represented more than a commercial partnership. It also reflected FIFA’s efforts to strengthen its connection with Asian audiences, particularly younger consumers in China. LABUBU has seen rapid growth in overseas markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, becoming one of the most recognizable designer-toy IPs globally. The Monsters, the franchise behind LABUBU, generated around RMB 4.81 billion ($670 million) in revenue in the first half of 2025. From Made in China to Created in China, LABUBU’s appearance on the World Cup stage highlights the growing international reach of Chinese original IPs. As the character continues to gain recognition among consumers worldwide, it also reflects the increasing visibility of Chinese designers and creative brands in global markets.