How Labubu became surprise sensation at FIFA World Cup 2026
What's the story
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has witnessed an unexpected star in Labubu, a fuzzy little monster with nine teeth. The character, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and commercialized by Chinese toy company Pop Mart, made history as the first-ever Chinese-original toy IP to be featured at a FIFA World Cup opening event. The moment went viral instantly, and a Labubu x FIFA collection priced at $150 per piece sold out online within hours across over 40 countries.
Twitter Post
Labubu figures drew attention at FIFA World Cup opening ceremony
Two Labubu mascots popped up on the pitch for the opening ceremony of World Cup. pic.twitter.com/8LZ7CBAbgi
— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) June 12, 2026
Rise to fame
Know more about the worldwide sensation
Labubu is an elf-like, bug-eyed collectible toy character from The Monsters series. The fantasy story universe of The Monsters draws inspiration from Nordic and European fairy tales, elves, forest creatures, and folklore. Pop Mart licensed the character in 2019 and started selling it through blind boxes. The rarity of "secret" editions at the time helped fuel demand for these collectibles. Interestingly, Labubu also appeared alongside BLACKPINK's Lisa in the official FIFA World Cup anthem video.
Origin
Lung on why he chose this unique name
Speaking to The Perfect Magazine last year, Lung revealed, "When I was young, I used to watch The Smurfs... and you know the Smurfs, there are hundreds of them! That's the reason why I wanted to create a big universe with a lot of monsters." "I like to give my characters unique names. I think one of the reasons why people like Labubu is because the name is very catchy."
Cultural impact
A pop culture phenomenon
Labubu has been endorsed by global icons like Lisa, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa. This endorsement has turned the character into a worldwide fashion and pop culture trend. The toy has become Pop Mart's best-selling franchise and a major revenue driver for the company. Limited-edition Labubu figures have been resold for as high as $7,000 on secondary markets, showcasing its immense popularity and market value. Have you bought one yet?