POP MART's LABUBU makes an unexpected appearance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

      In the early morning, the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place at the renowned Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, enthralling hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide. However, in China, the highlight of the night was not any national team player but LABUBU, the original designer toy intellectual property from China.

      Designed by Kasing Lung, an artist signed with POP MART, LABUBU made a memorable entrance on stage as two giant mascots. One was donned in Argentina’s national team jersey while holding the FIFA World Cup Trophy, and the other was dressed in the colors of Mexico, carrying a bucket of popcorn.

      Their whimsical presence and interactions in the center of the pitch quickly drew attention from both spectators and viewers at home. This marked a historic moment as it was the first time in the tournament's history since 1930 that a Chinese original IP was invited to participate in the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup.

      The news of LABUBU's appearance sparked a frenzy on Chinese social media, with hashtags like #LABUBUDebutsAtTheWorldCup trending on Weibo. Chinese netizens expressed their humor and pride, with one user noting, “This is probably the closest China’s national team has ever come to the World Cup”, while another quipped, “Other countries start Messi, but we start LABUBU.”

      After the performance, POP MART revealed that its THE MONSTERS × FIFA World Cup collaboration collection, featuring blind boxes and themed merchandise, launched simultaneously in over 40 countries and regions, with online stocks reportedly selling out on the first day.

      LABUBU’s presence was more than just a commercial venture; it showcased FIFA’s efforts to enhance its connection with Asian audiences, specifically younger consumers in China. LABUBU has experienced rapid growth in international markets, especially in Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, becoming one of the most recognized designer toy IPs globally. The Monsters franchise, which includes LABUBU, generated approximately RMB 4.81 billion ($670 million) in revenue during the first half of 2025.

      In February, Pop Mart announced that its flagship IP LABUBU surpassed 100 million units in sales in 2025, according to internal data. The character’s presence on the World Cup stage underscores the expanding international influence of Chinese original IPs. As LABUBU continues to gain worldwide recognition among consumers, it also highlights the growing visibility of Chinese designers and creative brands in global markets.

      Jessie Wu is a tech reporter based in Shanghai, covering consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming industry for TechNode. She can be reached by e-mail at jessie.wu@technode.com.