Adidas and The Pokemon Company have announced that Pikachu is the official mascot for the Japanese football team for this summer's 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Pikachu, indubitably the team captain, will be joined on the Pokemon squad by Meowth, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Chespin, Froakie, Fennekin, Pancham, Helioptile, and Litleo.

The promotion features Pikachu and pals dressed up in Japan's official kit for the tournament. The mascot for the tournament itself is a yellow and blue armadillo named Fuleco. It is unknown where Fuleco would fit on the Pokemon type chart, but it's probably a safe bet that Pikachu could beat him in a fight.

Espurr will not be there to terrify the opposition, sadly.

The 2014 World Cup begins on June 12. Japan’s opponents in the group stages include Greece and Columbia.