McDonald's 2026 FIFA World Cup Squishmallows - Donny the Koala
A Goal-Scorer From the Squishmallow Squad
When McDonald's launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 Squishmallows promotion on June 9, the timing couldn't have been better - the tournament itself kicks off just days later on June 11. I've been collecting these plush friends ever since, and Donny the Koala ranks high on my list. He's part of a roster of 23 Squishmallows, mixing classic beloved characters with the three official World Cup mascots (Maple the Moose, Clutch the Bald Eagle, and Zayu the Jaguar). Donny, a cheerful yellow plush, brings his own charm to the collection.
What sets Donny apart from your typical Squishmallow is the tournament-specific soccer jersey he's wearing. The costume isn't just a simple print - it features genuine World Cup graphics, country crests, player numbers, and McDonald's branding. For a Happy Meal toy, the detail work is surprisingly crisp. The fabric feels soft and durable, with quality stitching on the jersey itself. The yellow color is bold and eye-catching without feeling garish, and the proportions are classic Squishmallow - stocky, huggable, and designed to be squeezed without worry.
Donny's one of those characters where the licensing detail makes the nostalgia hit different. You're not just getting a plush toy; you're getting a piece of this moment in sports history, packaged for kids and collectors alike.
The 23-character roster means you're chasing quite a bit if you want the full set - it's a wave without the formal "wave" numbering that older Happy Meal promos used, so completeness really depends on location and luck. In the U.S., Canadian, Mexican, and international markets, McDonald's rolled out different character assortments, so not every region gets all 23. If you find Donny in your local McDonald's, he's worth snagging while supplies last.
For collectors like me, Donny holds both play and display value. Kids appreciate the softness and the soccer connection; collectors recognize the quality print work and the timeliness of a World Cup tie-in. The jersey graphics should hold up to occasional squeezing and storage in a bin, though I'd avoid harsh sunlight to keep the yellow from fading. Grouped with the other Squishmallows from this promotion - Olma the Strawberry Cat, Dolan the Dinosaur, Winnia the Walrus, and the rest - Donny becomes part of a mini-collection that marks the summer of 2026. I've marked Donny on my needs list to help me track which of the 23 I still want to complete the set.
Whether you're a World Cup fan, a Squishmallow enthusiast, or a parent trying to understand why your kids want one of every character, Donny the Koala is a solid addition to any Happy Meal collection. His presence on shelves is tied to the FIFA tournament schedule, so if you're collecting this promotion, now's the time to hunt.
