McDonald's is reportedly bringing Pokémon trading cards back to Happy Meals in the US from November 5 to December 9, 2026. The report comes from PokéBeach, and as of October 14, 2026, McDonald's and The Pokémon Company haven't officially announced it.
Everything below is reported, not confirmed. We'll update this post when McDonald's says more. Snack Trap House isn't affiliated with McDonald's or The Pokémon Company.
What's been reported
- Dates: November 5 through December 9, 2026 in the US. Other countries are expected to get the promotion on different dates, which haven't been confirmed.
- What's in a Happy Meal: a four-card Pokémon Trading Card Game booster pack with one holo card and three non-holo cards.
- Set size: 15 cards in the full set, six of them in McDonald's confetti holofoil.
- Toy or handbook: reports also mention a choice between a Pokémon toy and a "Pokémon Essential Handbook." PokéBeach says the toy might be a card display, but that isn't confirmed, and how this works with the card packs hasn't been explained.
What we don't know yet
- Which Pokémon are in the set. PokéBeach says it doesn't know yet, and no card list has been published.
- Whether the art is new. PokéBeach notes that past McDonald's sets were reprints of existing cards. Whether this one is hasn't been reported.
- Price and limits. No price has been reported, and Happy Meal prices vary by restaurant. Nothing has been said about limits per customer.
- Which restaurants take part. VICE says packs may vary by location, so check with your local restaurant after November 5.
Why people are watching
2026 is the Pokémon franchise's 30th anniversary, and the reports tie the promotion to it. Collectors are waiting on the card list and on whether this set brings anything new.
What to do before November 5
Watch McDonald's and The Pokémon Company for an official announcement, and ask your local restaurant what it has once the promotion starts. We'll add the card list here as soon as one is published.
A Pokémon-themed drink while you wait
We stock Pokemon Pikachu Lime Sparkling Water, an import from Japan. Stock rotates, so check the page for what's in. We deliver the same day across the Phoenix metro and ship worldwide.
Sources: PokéBeach (September 27, 2026, the original report), Dexerto and VICE (both September 28, 2026).
FAQ
When do the McDonald's Pokémon cards come out in 2026?
PokéBeach reports the US promotion runs from November 5 to December 9, 2026. McDonald's and The Pokémon Company haven't officially announced it, so the dates could change.
Has McDonald's confirmed the Pokémon Happy Meal cards?
Not as of October 14, 2026. Dexerto notes the promotion has not been officially announced by McDonald's or The Pokémon Company.
What comes in the McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meal?
Reportedly a four-card Pokémon Trading Card Game booster pack with one holo card and three non-holo cards. Reports also mention a choice between a Pokémon toy and a Pokémon Essential Handbook, but how that works with the card packs hasn't been explained.
How many cards are in the McDonald's Pokémon set?
Reportedly 15 cards, six of them in McDonald's confetti holofoil.
Which Pokémon are in the McDonald's set?
That isn't known yet. PokéBeach says the card list hasn't been revealed, and we'll update this post when it is.
How much do the McDonald's Pokémon cards cost?
No price has been reported. The cards are reportedly in Happy Meals, and menu prices vary by restaurant.
Will every McDonald's have the Pokémon cards?
VICE says packs may vary by location, so check with your local restaurant after November 5.