Studio MAPPA has created an animated short for Kenshi Yonezu's newest single, "Karasu – Raven," marking the track's debut this week. The song pulls double duty as NHK's official broadcast theme for Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Sweden on Friday.

The short animation follows a man's rise from childhood through to earning a spot on Japan's national soccer team. It's a fitting visual accompaniment for a song tied to one of sports' biggest stages.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, running from June 11 through July 19. The tournament features 48 national teams competing in the group stage, with the top 32 advancing to knockout rounds. The championship final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Kenshi Yonezu has established himself as Japan's go-to artist for major cultural moments, and his partnership with NHK for World Cup coverage continues that tradition. The decision to have MAPPA handle the animation speaks to the production's importance—the studio is known for high-profile anime adaptations and original projects.

Anime tie-ins to major sporting events aren't new, but having one of Japan's biggest music acts paired with a top-tier animation studio for a World Cup anthem shows the scale of global interest in the tournament. The short's focus on a personal journey to the national team should resonate with viewers watching Japan compete on the international stage.

Yonezu's "Karasu – Raven" is now available on his YouTube channel and social media, alongside MAPPA's animated short. Fans can catch the full broadcast of the Japan vs. Sweden match on NHK Friday to see the song in action.