Your beloved Pokémon has officially formed a soccer team!
If you’re not already into soccer, now’s a great time to dive in, and it’s not just about the World Cup. Pokémon has teamed up with the J. League, which oversees Japan’s top three soccer leagues, to assign a mascot Pokémon to each of the 60 clubs.
This collaboration is all about evolution, meaning each club has an associated evolution chain. From August 7 until the end of September, every home game will feature giveaways of “Evolution!” themed eco-bags for attendees. These bags will showcase Pikachu, the national team’s mascot, alongside the club’s partner Pokémon.
Here’s the complete list of clubs and their partner Pokémon, so you can find out which team to support based on your favorite Pokémon (I’ve switched to rooting for Kyoto Sanga, sorry Manchester United fans):
| Club | Division | Partner Pokémon |
| Avispa Fukuoka | J1 | Weedle, Kakuna, Beedrill |
| Cerezo Osaka | J1 | Cherubi, Cherrim (Sunshine Form) |
| Fagiano Okayama | J1 | Pidove, Tranquill, Unfezant (M) |
| FC Tokyo | J1 | Charcadet, Ceruledge |
| Gamba Osaka | J1 | Shinx, Luxio, Luxray |
| JEF United Chiba | J1 | Yamper, Boltund |
| Kashima Antlers | J1 | Charmander, Charmeleon, Charizard |
| Kashiwa Reysol | J1 | Helioptile, Heliolisk |
| Kawasaki Frontale | J1 | Finizen, Palafin (Hero Form) |
| Kyoto Sanga | J1 | Gastly, Haunter, Gengar |
| Machida Zelvia | J1 | Froakie, Frogadier, Greninja |
| Mito HollyHock | J1 | Bagon, Shelgon, Salamence |
| Nagoya Grampus | J1 | Cyndaquil, Quilava, Typhlosion |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | J1 | Teddiursa, Ursaring, Ursaluna |
| Shimizu S-Pulse | J1 | Pawmi, Pawmo, Pawmot |
| Tokyo Verdy | J1 | Rowlet, Dartrix, Decidueye |
| Urawa Red Diamonds | J1 | Litten, Torracat, Incineroar |
| V-Varen Nagasaki | J1 | Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert |
| Vissel Kobe | J1 | Houndour, Houndoom |
| Yokohama F. Marinos | J1 | Azurill, Marill, Azumarill |
| Albirex Niigata | J2 | Ducklett, Swanna |
| Blaublitz Akita | J2 | Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra |
| Fujieda MYFC | J2 | Nidoran (M), Nidorino, Nidoking |
| Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo | J2 | Hoothoot, Noctowl |
| FC Imabari | J2 | Wailmer, Wailord |
| Iwaki FC | J2 | Amaura, Aurorus |
| Jubilo Iwata | J2 | Swablu, Altaria |
| Kataller Toyama | J2 | Skiddo, Gogoat |
| Montedio Yamagata | J2 | Cubchoo, Beartic |
| Oita Trinita | J2 | Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise |
| RB Omiya Ardija | J2 | Tepig, Pignite, Emboar |
| Sagan Tosu | J2 | Porygon, Porygon-2, Porygon-Z |
| Shonan Bellmare | J2 | Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon |
| Tegevajaro Miyazaki | J2 | Snubbull, Granbull |
| Tochigi City FC | J2 | Galarian Farfetch’d, Sirfetch’d |
| Tokushima Vortis | J2 | Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath |
| Vanraure Hachinohe | J2 | Inkay, Malamar |
| Vegalta Sendai | J2 | Rufflet, Braviary |
| Ventforet Kofu | J2 | Poochyena, Mightyena |
| Yokohama FC | J2 | Cleffa, Clefairy, Clefable |
| Ehime FC | J3 | Fletchling, Fletchinder, Talonflame |
| Fukushima United | J3 | Torchic, Combusken, Blaziken |
| Gainare Tottori | J3 | Ralts, Kirlia, Gallade |
| FC Gifu | J3 | Chikorita, Bayleef, Meganium |
| Giravanz Kitakyushu | J3 | Sunkern, Sunflora |
| Kagoshima United | J3 | Numel, Camerupt |
| Kamatamare Sanuki | J3 | Tangela, Tangrowth |
| Kochi United | J3 | Maschiff, Mabostiff |
| Matsumoto Yamaga | J3 | Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar |
| Nagano Parceiro | J3 | Applin, Dipplin, Hydrapple |
| Nara Club | J3 | Deerling (Autumn Form), Sawsbuck (Autumn Form) |
| FC Osaka | J3 | Popplio, Brionne, Primarina |
| Reilac Shiga | J3 | Barboach, Whiscash |
| Renofa Yamaguchi | J3 | Litleo, Pyroar (M) |
| Roasso Kumamoto | J3 | Ponyta, Rapidash |
| Ryukyu Okinawa | J3 | Mantyke, Mantine |
| SC Sagamihara | J3 | Ferroseed, Ferrothorn |
| Thespa Gunma | J3 | Pancham, Pangoro |
| Tochigi SC | J3 | Chimchar, Monferno, Infernape |
| Zweigen Kanazawa | J3 | Starly, Staravia, Staraptor |
You can find more details about the partnership on the official J. League site.
