Pokemon Happy Meal - McDonald's 2026 Promotion
Pokemon cards are back in Happy Meals: a 15-card McDonald's set, mini Happy Meal box toys, and two cards per meal. US starts November 10 - here are the dates, the leaked card list and what's actually worth collecting.
What's inside: each Happy Meal comes with one of 15 plastic mini Happy Meal box toys (each themed on a different Pokemon) plus 2 random cards from a 15-card McDonald's set. It's the first time since 2018 that Happy Meals include plastic Pokemon toys.
Promotion dates by country
| Region | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Tuesday, November 3 | Monday, December 7 |
| Australia | Thursday, November 5 | Wednesday, December 9 |
| United States | Tuesday, November 10 | Monday, December 14 |
| Other countries | Rolling out later - dates not yet announced | |
The 15-card set (leaked)
Cards are McDonald's reprints with their own set numbering, and holos use the usual confetti holofoil. Reported holos are marked - one card is still unidentified.
| # | Card | Holo? |
|---|---|---|
| 1/15 | Decidueye | - |
| 2/15 | Chandelure | Holo (reported) |
| 3/15 | Palafin | Holo (reported) |
| 4/15 | Pikachu | Holo (reported) |
| 5/15 | Mimikyu | Holo (reported) |
| 6/15 | Lucario | Holo (reported) |
| 7/15 | Hawlucha | - |
| 8/15 | Tyranitar | Holo (reported) |
| 9/15 | Absol | - |
| 10/15 | Unidentified | Darkness or Metal type expected |
| 11/15 | Metagross | - |
| 12/15 | Jirachi | Holo (reported) |
| 13/15 | Eevee | - |
| 14/15 | Snorlax | - |
| 15/15 | Wooloo | - |
The list comes from early in-hand leaks - McDonald's and The Pokemon Company haven't confirmed holo assignments yet.
How this year's promo is different
Mini Happy Meal box toys
15 collectible plastic toys shaped like tiny Happy Meal boxes, each themed on a different Pokemon - the first plastic Pokemon Happy Meal toys since 2018.
2 cards, not 4
Each meal packs two random cards. Older promos gave a 4-card booster with one guaranteed holo - this year odds per card are thinner.
Confetti holo
McDonald's holos always use the distinctive confetti holofoil pattern - that's what makes the promo cards recognizable (and collectible).
Scalper watch
Previous years saw buy limits and early sell-outs. Expect stores to cap Happy Meal purchases per customer if demand spikes.
FAQ
When does the Pokemon Happy Meal start?
US: November 10 through December 14. Canada starts earlier on November 3, Australia on November 5.
How many cards are in the McDonald's set?
15 cards total - each Happy Meal includes 2 random ones, so completing the set takes luck or trading.
Are the cards real Pokemon cards?
Yes - official McDonald's reprints with their own numbering, legal for casual play, and instantly recognizable by the confetti holofoil on holos.
Can you buy the cards without a Happy Meal?
No - they only come inside Happy Meals. That's the entire scalper economy in one sentence.