Mattel’s Mexico-inspired Barbie returns to the spotlight ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026

Did you know that Mattel has a Barbie dressed in Mexico’s national team jersey as part of their collection? Although it was released three years ago, the doll is still relevant today as the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches next month with the opening match featuring Mexico against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

The tournament is set to start from June 11 until July 19, and will feature 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Even though soccer is a sport traditionally dominated by men, this Barbie doll still carries a strong message for girls that they can achieve anything they set their mind to, even in soccer, a sport traditionally dominated by men. 

Inspired by one of kids’ favorite sports, this doll's uniform shines in Mexico’s iconic green, red and white colors. It also has the number 16 and a team patch plus white shorts, cleats and tall green socks. The doll also features a brunette ponytail and comes with a soccer ball accessory. 

While soccer has historically been viewed as a male-dominated sport around the world, the reality in the U.S. is shifting. Out of roughly 44 million women, about 43% say they have at least some interest in the game, according to a survey  conducted in 2024.

And it’s not just interest. 59% of women say they’re actively playing, whether in organized leagues or pickup games with nearly a third identifying as Latina and one-in-five identifying as Black, reflecting the sport’s broad multicultural appeal. 

Their survey of 2,000 women also found that women’s soccer isn’t just growing, it’s drawing in a distinctly younger audience that’s helping reshape the future of the game. The youth-driven trend is especially strong among 16 to 24-year-olds, where more young women are fans than men by 71% (24% vs 14% of male fans). The report also shows that interest is highest among women aged 25 to 34, making this the most engaged age group in the sport.