McDonald's launches World Cup menu including Squishmallows Happy Meal
Ella Scott
Featured Image Credit: McDonald's
Squishmallows are finally returning to McDonald’s this summer in a unique collaboration with the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 - and there are more than 20 adorable toys to collect and play with.
On 11 June, the 23rd iteration of the premier football tournament will kick off, with joint-host nations Mexico, Canada, and the United States all in action over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel’s England commence its Group L campaign against Croatia on 17 June, with subsequent matches against Ghana and Panama scheduled over the following ten days.
McDonald’s is celebrating the Three Lions venture, alongside tournament debuts from Cape Verde and Curaçao; Argentina’s attempt at a two-peat; and many other soon-to-be historic moments with its official FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.
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Leading the charge in the UK is the Squishmallows Happy Meal, featuring dinky versions of the popular plushies, kitted out in unique tournament-style jerseys.
One of the cute collectables, made from recycled water bottles, will feature in every Happy Meal.
And as there are 23 varieties to collect, including three mascots from the home nations, kids are set for a busy summer of fun.
Those who don’t fancy a Squishmallow can ask their servers to stuff a Little People, Big Dreams book into their box instead.
These come in two varieties: ‘I Can be a Boxing Hero’ or ‘I Can Create Brilliant Stories’.
Amid the Squishmallows Happy Meal launch on 9 June, the fast-food giant has announced plans for exciting Squishmallows character visits across the nation.
Cam the white Cat, Patty the pink Pig, or Maritza the green Cactus are heading to restaurants across the country.
You can click here to find where your nearest character visit is taking place.
During the tournament, fans can get their hands on fun packs in-store, featuring activity sheets, tablecloths and bespoke masks.
“Whether it’s before watching a game or celebrating after the final whistle, Happy Meal is the perfect companion for match days,” a press release stated.
From 4 June, McDonald’s is launching a collection of collectable cups in the UK depicting some of the most famousfootball icons on the planet, including Sir David Beckham, Lamine Yamal, and Thierry Henry.
Fans in Britain, alongside the rest of the globe, can pick up one of six limited-time keepsake beakers when purchasing McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Meals.
Some reports claim this will be on around 9 June, the same day that the Squishmallows Happy Meals launch.
However, it's worth heading into your local store to discover exactly when you'll be able to start collecting
Choose a medium or large meal with a Big Mac, nine-piece Chicken Nuggets, or McPlant burger to get one of the tumblers.
The footballers featured on the McDonald’s FIFA World Cup blind-box collectable include:
“At McDonald’s, magic happens when friends and fans come together and celebrate with the people they love,” said Global chief marketing officer and head of new business ventures at McDonald’s, Morgan Flatley.
“Partnering with the FIFA World Cup 26 allows us to take that shared joy and bring it to life at a global scale through our food, our experience, and the ways fans connect with the game.
“As football icons take the field to unite fans across continents, McDonald’s will be there with limited-time meals and keepsakes so fans can be part of the excitement all tournament long and beyond.”
A handful of limited-time menu items have launched at McDonald’s ahead of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026, including burgers, McFlurries, and easy cheesy sides.
Head of the pack is the new Mexican Chipotle Chicken burger, made with 100 percent chicken breast in a crispy coating and featuring chipotle mayo, smoky sauce, slivered and crispy onions, fresh lettuce, and a slice of white cheddar cheese.
Opposite the Mexican Chipotle Chicken burger is the returning Sweet Carolina BBQ Stack.
Two 100 percent British and Irish beef quarter-pounder patties are stacked with cheese, smoked bacon, ‘smoky’ cheese and a ‘sweet tangy South Carolina sauce.
McDonald’s Crunchy Cheese Bites are making a comeback, as are individual pots of indulgent Big Mac sauce.
To finish, there are two McFlurries on offer: the Galaxy Chocolate McFlurry, combining creamy soft serve with Galaxy chocolate pieces and chocolate sauce, and the Galaxy Salted Caramel McFlurry, which adds a lick of salted caramel to the pot.