Nintendo, prominent video game developer, and Adidas have named Pikachu the official mascot for the Japanese football team for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Adidas is the official sponsor of Japan's national football team.
The chubby electric rodent will be joined by 10 other Pokemons including Meowth, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Chespin, Froakie, Fennekin, Pancham, Helioptile, and Litleo as the cheering squad for Japan's 'Samurai Blue' in Rio, Yahoo Sports reports. Pikachu and his friends will be sporting the team's official World Cup uniform at sporting events.
The signature move of the adorable yellow fur-ball is releasing electricity of different intensity from its red cheeks. The iconic Nintendo character is also famously known for teaching Ash Ketchum, the protagonist from the series franchise, lessons about loyalty and friendship, Smosh reports.
Only time will tell whether Pikachu and pals bring good luck to the Japanese football team that debuted at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
This isn't the first time Pokemon franchise has entered a sports-themed collaboration. In February 2014, the company released an officially licensed Mario golf bag, Kotako reports.
For the World Cup 2014, Adidas has also collaborated with Japan music sensation AKB48 and Japanese athletes and artists to show their support for the country's national football team, IB Times reports.
In the group stages, Japan faces Côte d'Ivoire, Greece and Columbia. Samurai Blue's first match will be against Ivory Coast, June 14. Italy's official mascots are believed to be Mario and Luigi, although the report is unconfirmed by officials.
Meanwhile, the mascot for the summer's soccer tournament, beginning June 12 to July 13, is the yellow and blue armadillo named Fuleco. World Cup mascots for the host country first came up in the '66 cup in England.
USA Soccer Stud has listed the Top 10 Dumbest World Cup Mascots
10. Gauchito, Argentina '78
9. World Cup Willie, England '66
8. The Spheriks, Korea/Japan '02
7. Pique, Mexico '86
6. Footix, France '98
5. Goleo and Pille, Germany '06
4. Ciao, Italy '90
3. Naranjito, Spain '82
2. Striker the World Cup Pup, USA '94
1. Tip and Tap, Germany '74
