McDonald’s World Cup Squishmallows Happy Meal Has Collectors on the Hunt

McDonald’s has kicked off one of its most exciting Happy Meal promotions of 2026, and collectors are already paying attention. In celebration of the FIFA World Cup 26™, McDonald’s launched a limited-time Happy Meal promotion featuring Squishmallows plush toys dressed in soccer-inspired designs.

The promotion began in June 2026, with each Happy Meal including one of 23 different Squishmallows characters. The collection includes World Cup-themed plushies, official mascot-inspired characters, and designs representing the three host countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. McDonald’s confirmed that the promotion is part of its worldwide FIFA World Cup 26™ celebration.

What makes this promotion especially popular is the collectible nature of the toys. With 23 different characters available, families, soccer fans, and Squishmallows collectors are visiting multiple McDonald’s locations hoping to complete the full set. The excitement has also created a wave of “Happy Meal hunting” videos on YouTube, TikTok, and other social platforms, where collectors open meals, trade characters, and show which plushies they found.

The timing could not be better. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already one of the biggest sports events of the year, and McDonald’s has connected that global excitement with one of the most popular plush collectible brands. Squishmallows have built a strong fan base because of their soft design, cute characters, and limited-release appeal. Adding World Cup jerseys and soccer-themed details gives this Happy Meal promotion a fun mix of sports, food, and collectible culture.

For collectors, the chase is part of the fun. Some are looking for their favorite character, while others want the complete 23-character lineup. Online marketplaces have already started showing individual toys and full-set listings, proving that the promotion is gaining serious attention beyond the restaurant counter.

McDonald’s also launched FIFA World Cup-themed adult meals and collectible cups as part of the larger campaign, but the Squishmallows Happy Meal toys appear to be the biggest attraction for younger fans and plush collectors. Reports note that the adult meal promotion includes collectible cups, while the kids’ Happy Meal focuses on the Squishmallows plush toys.

As with most limited-time McDonald’s collectibles, availability may vary by location. Some restaurants may receive different characters at different times, which only adds to the excitement. For many collectors, that means the hunt is officially on.

Whether you are a soccer fan, a Squishmallows collector, or someone who simply loves nostalgic Happy Meal promotions, the 2026 FIFA World Cup Squishmallows release is shaping up to be one of McDonald’s most talked-about collectible drops of the year.

Final Thoughts

McDonald’s has found the perfect combination: World Cup excitement, adorable Squishmallows, and the thrill of collecting. With 23 characters to find, this Happy Meal promotion is more than just a toy release—it has become a full collecting event. From restaurant runs to YouTube hunting vlogs, the World Cup Squishmallows craze is bringing fans together one Happy Meal at a time.