Starbucks Bearista cups are back - but with a World Cup twist
Ella Scott
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@starbucksnz
Viral Bearista cups are finally back in business at Starbucks following a fierce, limited-time launch that ‘exceeded’ the brand’s expectations and sparked social media outrage.
The FIFA Men’s World Cup is currently well underway in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with fast-foodfavourites like McDonald’s already in the thick of the action with collectable tumblers and sports-themed Squishmallows Happy Meals.
Burger King brought back Crown Nuggets ahead of the tournament; Chips Ahoy! dropped new cookies in celebration with Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, and Christian Pulisic, and international viewers have been left stumped by what appeared to be fans digging into meals while sitting at tables pitchside.
Starbucks has also bought into World Cup fever by giving its sought-after Bearista Cup a makeover for the premier competition.
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The adorable glass beaker, shaped like a teddy bear, features a football-themed cap resembling a beanie, a scarf in the brand’s signature colours, and a straw.
According to the coffeehouse, only United States-based Starbucks Rewards Reserve tier members can pick up the item.
It went on sale ahead of Mexico’s successful World Cup bout against South Africa last Thursday (11 June).
The soccer star Bearista beaker comes just months after alleged fights broke out when the original cold cup launched as part of Starbucks’ 2025 holiday merchandise drop.
The exclusive 20-ounce glass item was apparently so limited in number that some stores only received one to four cups, with some selling out within minutes of opening despite customers queuing for hours.
“Not cool marketing Starbucks to only have 1-2 at each store and allow your baristas to buy them before customers,” one fan claimed at the time.
“You should have had additional stock for your baristas and at least 10-20 for each store. People camped out all night to not even get one.”
Someone else commented: “If you are going to excite people over this then make sure ALL stores have supply. So many people are disappointed,”
In a statement, Starbucks said: “The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations and despite shipping more Bearista cups to coffeehouses than almost any other merchandise item this holiday season, the Bearista cup and some other items sold out fast.
“We understand many customers were excited about the Bearista cup and apologise for the disappointment this may have caused.”
In January, British customers had similar issues getting their hands on the vessel, even though Starbucks announced a ‘one Bearista Cup per customer only’ rule.
"We're delighted that people have been so enthusiastic about the Bearista Cold Cup,” the American chain told LADbible Group amid backlash
“This was a limited drop and some locations have sold out quickly. We implemented a one-per customer rule to keep it as fair as possible.”
If you don’t manage to get a reusable World Cup Bearista jar, then you may be able to pick up another limited-edition item.
Guests who order a drink of any size, including coffee and tea, at participating US locations would be gifted a limited-edition cup sleeve, while supplies last.
“Inspired by the captain's armband, the red, white and blue sleeve celebrates global fandom and the unifying power of the game,” reads a press release for the promotion.
The announcement added: “This activation taps into the unique global energy of moments like these, when fans show up for their teams across countries and time zones, and everyday rituals feel more connected and meaningful.”
30 other territories across the globe will also benefit from various gatherings and giveaways, as per People Magazine.