The 2026 Pokémon World Championships at San Francisco's Chase Center wrapped up with a flurry of major announcements from Pokémon Company President Tsunekazu Ishihara, right after a live performance by Ed Sheeran. Here’s a roundup of everything revealed during the closing ceremony and throughout the PokémonXP weekend event.

First Pokémon Movie in Seven Years

The biggest surprise of the night was the announcement of a brand-new animated film, Pokémon: Wild Card. Centered around a Pokémon Trading Card Game player aiming to become a champion, the movie is set to hit theaters in 2027. The teaser trailer shown during the reveal received a huge round of applause, highlighting just how much fans have missed Pokémon films in recent years.

Mega Evolution Arrives in Pokémon Champions

On the competitive side, a major update was announced: Pokémon capable of Z Mega Evolution will join Pokémon Champions on September 9, 2026. The reveal showcased Mega Lucario Z, Mega Absol, and Mega Heatran, confirming that players will soon be able to battle with these powerful forms.

Big Battle Changes in Pokémon GO

Starting from the Mega Finale of Pokémon GO Fest 2026, eligible Pokémon that can Mega Evolve will gain a third Charged Attack option, bringing a significant shakeup to the battle system. Plus, after a six-year absence, Armored Mewtwo is making its return.

TCG and TCG Pocket Updates

On the card game front, a teaser for a new set featuring Legendary Beasts Suicune, Raikou, and Entei was revealed, alongside the introduction of a new card type called “Mega Attack Rare.” At the TCG Pocket panel, dual-type cards were announced, launching in October 2026.

Farewell to UNITE on the Main Stage, Eevee Family Complete

With Zeta Division claiming victory at the Pokémon UNITE World Championships, UNITE made its final appearance on the main stage of the Pokémon World Championships. Moving forward, UNITE will have its own standalone tournament, with the 2027 Pokémon UNITE Aeos Crown Tokyo scheduled for late March 2027. This September and October, Flareon, Jolteon, Morpeko, and Toxtricity are joining the roster, making Eevee and all eight of its evolutions playable in UNITE.

New Animated Series Incoming

During the PokémonXP panel, the first trailer for the previously announced animated series Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu was shown at the closing ceremony. The series will premiere on Disney+ and DisneyXD in 2027.

Where Is the 2027 World Championships?

Before leaving the stage, Ishihara revealed the location of the 2027 Pokémon World Championships: Singapore. The event will take place August 13-15, 2027, at Singapore EXPO, marking the tournament’s return to Asia for the first time since Yokohama in 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Pokémon: Wild Card releasing?

The movie is set for a global theatrical release in 2027; an exact date has yet to be announced.

When will Mega Evolved Pokémon be added to Pokémon Champions?

Pokémon capable of Z Mega Evolution will join the game on September 9, 2026, with Mega Lucario Z, Mega Absol, and Mega Heatran leading the lineup.

Where will the 2027 Pokémon World Championships be held?

The event is scheduled for August 13-15, 2027, at Singapore EXPO in Singapore.