JFA
One Piece and Japan’s national soccer team have joined forces ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Monkey D. Luffy officially lending his support.
The collaboration saw the Straw Hat captain present the squad with a special blue Straw Hat, while Japan captain Wataru Endo compared the team to Luffy’s pirate crew as they chase World Cup glory.
It’s not just Luffy’s signature hat that will be inspiring football and One Piece fans, as the collaboration also includes a promotional video linking Luffy’s journey to become King of the Pirates with Japan’s pursuit of World Cup glory.
There will also be special merchandise and support flags featuring artwork from the series that fans will be able to purchase.
Luffy lends his support to Japan soccer team
According to the translated press release, Luffy handed over his special Straw Hat during a visit to the team’s training facility on May 29.
“I want to fight in the World Cup as members of the Straw Hat Crew and take Japan’s fans to the ‘New World,’” said Japan captain Wataru Endo upon receiving the gift.
JFA president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto said the partnership was a natural fit, arguing that One Piece’s themes of friendship and perseverance mirror the team’s own ambitions.
“The way they trust their friends and continue moving forward toward their dreams while overcoming challenges mirrors the way Samurai Blue continues to challenge the world,” Miyamoto said.
One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda has also played a role in the football-themed collab, as Weekly Shonen Jump recently featured a special collaboration cover drawn by Oda. There’s also a promotional video that shows Samurai Blue’s journey, alongside iconic One Piece characters and moments from the series.
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It’s pretty hype stuff, and the Samurai Blue squad will be hoping they can channel Luffy’s Straw Hat spirit in their upcoming match against the Netherlands on June 14.
Funnily enough, this isn’t the first time Japan’s football association has teamed up with a popular manga. In May 2026, they launched a US talent camp inspired by sports anime Blue Lock with the aim of finding the next generation of Japanese stars.
