Trend-Spotting: Soccer-Themed Toys for Even the Youngest World Cup Fans

June 18, 2018 | Soccer fever is in the air for the next month with the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia in full swing. For kids who love to watch the heated country matches, toys and games are a great way for them to practice their soccer skills or help them pretend they are the next Neymar Jr. of Brazil or Argentina’s Lionel Messi.  

“Toymakers have unveiled innovative and engaging soccer-related toys to get kids interested in the popular sport in a whole new way,” said Adrienne Appell, toy trends specialist at The Toy Association. “Whether its active toys to get kids moving in the backyard, beginner robotics to learn new play patterns, or activities to stimulate their imaginations, there are tons of fun soccer-themed playthings available for kids of all ages.”

Here is a selection of new toys and activities perfect for kids’ who love soccer:

Kids can enhance their soccer skills and learn to play like a pro with ESPN Future Pro soccer ball by Hunter Products (5+). Designed by professional athletes and with clear instructional design, players will know exactly where to strike the ball for their desired kick, making practice easy and fun.

Playmobil’s FIFA World Cup set and figures (5+) are perfect for little soccer fans. The Take Along 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Arena allows kids to role play who will walk away with the World Cup. Playmobil National Team Players can be moved easily with just one hand, and by pulling back and releasing the trigger, the player’s leg can kick the ball, including low or high kicks. Connect the goalkeepers to the goal posts and watch as they protect the goal cage, going from left to right, and even diving to block the ball. Kids can collect players from nine national teams including Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, England, France, Mexico, Portugal, and Spain.

Gamers, kids, and sports fans alike will be drawn to Hexbug’s Robotic Soccer Dual Pack (8+), which mixes technology and sports while still delivering a physical, real-world play experience. Pick a player, customize it with decals, and send it on the field. Designed to mimic real-life soccer, this toy’s unique play pattern taps into kids’ love for the sport and for competition, and pairs it with the educational fun of robotics.

Kids can play soccer day or night with Tangle Creations’ Tangle NightBall™ Inflated Soccer Ball (8+), an inflatable, regulation size soccer ball with motion-activated super-bright LEDs built in.

Steiff’s Soccer Plush Ball (0+) is a six-inch colorful plush that will stimulate infants and small children to kick up a storm.

Finally, creative children can combine their love of art and sports to paint their own soccer or other sport-themed emoji with Creativity for Kids Emoji Window Art by Faber-Castell (6+). With more than 40 designs to choose from, including soccer balls and other sports themes, kids can paint, peel, and stick the glittery emoji art to their notebooks, planners, windows, mirrors, and more.

The Toy Association is continually looking for new and exciting playthings for media opportunities. Toy and game suggestions may be sent to Adrienne Appell. Preference for all media opportunities is given to members of The Toy Association.