McDonald’s launches Squishmallows Happy Meals tied to FIFA World Cup – where is “Toy Story 5?”
Just as Toy Story 5 merchandise and restaurant promotions begin appearing across the country, many Disney and Pixar fans are asking the same question: where is the McDonald’s Happy Meal tie-in?
Instead of Buzz, Woody, and Jessie toys, McDonald’s is now teasing another Squishmallows Happy Meal promotion set to launch June 9, 2026. The official Happy Meal social media account posted “the game is about to get squishier” alongside the date, fueling speculation that collectible plush toys — not Pixar characters — will take over the next promotion cycle.
Squishmallow Happy Meals 2026
The apparent switch to Squishmallows has sparked confusion among Disney and Pixar fans who expected one of the year’s biggest animated sequels to land a major Happy Meal campaign. With “Toy Story 5” merchandise, theater promotions, and restaurant collaborations already beginning to surface, many collectors assumed McDonald’s would be part of the rollout — especially given the chain’s long history with the franchise.
Earlier today McDonald’s posted a teaser on their social media accounts with a Squishmallow silhouette and a soccer/futbol field.
Squishmallows remain one of the biggest collectible brands in fast food promotions. Previous McDonald’s Squishmallows releases generated long lines, resale listings, and adult collector interest well beyond the traditional Happy Meal audience.
As “Toy Story 5” marketing continues ramping up elsewhere, so is FIFA World Cup fever. Perhaps Squishmallows and FIFA World Cup’s global fandom will mean McDonald’s Happy Meal success this summer.
Fan site @snackolator shared a possible look at Squishmallow Happy Meals toys in the graphic below.
Image from @snackolator
Toy Story 5 promotions
McDonald’s and Disney have a long history of Happy Meal collaborations, including multiple Toy Story promotions dating back to the original film era. That’s why the apparent absence of a Toy Story 5 campaign is already drawing attention from collectors and Disney parks fans online.
Restaurants and theaters are increasingly prioritizing collectible items and viral merch culture alongside movie tie-ins, from popcorn buckets at movie theaters to limited-edition branded meals and plush collaborations.
Papa Johns recently launched a themed Pizza Planet-inspired menu tied to the upcoming film, complete with collectible packaging and personal pizzas inspired by the franchise.
For now, McDonald’s has not officially announced a Toy Story 5 Happy Meal in the U.S., leaving fans wondering whether the toys are still coming later, or if Burger King may be swooping, as was the case with “The Mandalorian and Grogu” toys.
Here’s hoping Woody and Buzz eventually make it back into the Happy Meal box before the moving truck pulls away again.
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