The 2026 FIFA World Cup didn’t just produce unforgettable moments on the pitch. It also sparked one of the internet’s biggest trends.
AI-generated animated videos on TikTok, Instagram, X, YouTube, and more have transformed the tournament into an over-the-top shonen series, complete with superpowers, villains, pirate ships, and dramatic speeches.
Many of the clips borrow heavily from popular animated series such as: dragon ball z, one piece, naruto, bleachand Attack on Titanturns soccer’s biggest stars into larger-than-life characters fighting for world domination rather than World Cup trophies.
Some videos have racked up millions of views, with prompters building an ongoing storyline that unfolds after nearly every match.
Here are some of the biggest AI animated videos that took social media by storm during the World Cup. For context, it’s worth noting that several actual anime companies, including Studio Ghibli, oppose LLM training on copyrighted works.
Kylian Mbappé becomes a ‘dictator’ trying to stop Erling Haaland
The most popular story revolves around the “Dictator Mbappé” meme, which is already circulating on the internet (see here for the history of this nickname).
In one cinematic-style AI video, Mbappé is depicted as an authoritarian ruler in military uniform, furious when he hears that Norwegian breakout star Erling Haaland has been chosen as soccer’s next superstar. France then gave one of the Norwegian players a simple warning: Haaland would not be allowed to score.
The entire story exaggerates a long-running joke online about Mbappe controlling everything around him, turning one of football’s biggest memes into a full-fledged animated villain story.
Lionel Messi warns Lamine Yamal about evil Mbappe
Another fan-favorite clip depicts Spain’s young stars celebrating after defeating France in a fictional rematch inspired by last summer’s UEFA European Championship.
Lamine Yamal confidently reminds his teammates that they have already beaten Mbappé, but the celebrations do not last long.
Messi suddenly appears as the wisecracking leader typical of anime, approaching Yamal and warning him that Mbappé is not the same player he has defeated before. Immediately, Mbappé appears as the final boss, a glowing villain-like figure with dark aura effects and exaggerated facial expressions.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino introduces World Cup semi-finalists like an animated tournament
One of the most cinematic videos imagines FIFA president Gianni Infantino introducing the World Cup semi-finalists as if they were characters entering the final stages of an animated tournament.
Harry Kane, Ramin Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi each undergo elaborate entrances before revealing their unique supernatural powers.
This animation resembles the opening of a major battle arc, complete with glowing energy, dramatic narration, and transformations worthy of an anime classic. dragon ball z and naruto.
Cristiano Ronaldo meets his younger self
One of the most emotional AI videos imagines Cristiano Ronaldo nearing the end of his legendary career. A tired, old Ronaldo is approached by his younger self from his time at Real Madrid and reminds him: “The number one never bows down.”
The video shows iconic moments from Ronaldo’s career as young Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal look on in admiration. The film ends with Ronaldo standing up and determined to end his career on a good note as fans cry around him.
Spain becomes One Piece Pirates
Borrowed directly from another popular viral site one piece.
The Spanish national team travels across the ocean on a pirate ship led by Captain Lamine Yamal and prepares for an all-out attack on France. However, before reaching their destination, they encounter another giant ship commanded by Jude Bellingham and the British.
Messi arrives in Marineford to rescue Ramin D. Yamal
Another viral AI video is one piece The iconic Marineford edition. The clip depicts Lamine D. Yamal as a captured pirate awaiting execution, with Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane playing the powerful marine generals who protect him.
Just when all hope seems lost, Lionel Messi arrives in dramatic fashion to rescue the young star, sparking an all-out war between the biggest names in football.
Mbappé wins World Cup and receives ultimate hero celebration
Not all AI anime depict Mbappe as a villain.
One widely shared clip shows France defeating Argentina in the World Cup final, with Mbappé being carried on the arm of France coach Didier Deschamps.
This celebration will soon become legendary. Football icons such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Beckham and Thierry Henry come together and celebrate with fans surrounding them in a triumphant ending typical of the anime’s final episodes.
