Pokémon Champions has introduced the 'Global Challenge 2026' competition, and as part of it, a Special Roster of Pokémon to recruit from.
Instead all available Pokémon in Pokémon Champions, this narrows the list to just a select few that are allowed in the competition, meaning you can put together an eligible team more quickly.
This guide provides the Pokémon Champions 'Global Challenge 2026' Special Roster Pokémon list, as well as dates for the competition itself.
Pokémon Champions 'Global Challenge 2026' Special Roster Pokémon list
The Pokémon available to recruit from the roster are as follows:
- Venusaur
- Charizard
- Ninetales
- Ninetales (Alolan Form)
- Meganium Feraligatr
- Politoed
- Tyranitar
- Pelipper
- Torkoal
- Hippowdon
- Abomasnow
- Emboar
- Excadrill
- Whimsicott
- Vanilluxe
- Volcarona
- Talonflame
- Meowstic (Male)
- Meowstic (Female)
- Aurorus
- Incineroar
- Lycanroc (Midday Form)
- Oranguru
- Sandaconda
- Basculegion (Male)
- Basculegion (Female)
- Maushold (Family of Three)
- Maushold (Family of Four)
- Farigiraf
- Archaludon
How to recruit from the 'Global Challenge 2026' Special Roster
To recruit from the above roster, go to the Recruit area of the game, then Recruit Pokémon as normal. During the eligible dates, you'll then have multiple rosters to choose from by pressing left and right through the menu - one of which will be the 'Global Challenge 2026' Special Roster.
Even if you don't want to enter the competition, the Pokémon in the Special Roster can be used across the game - and since the narrower pool features a lot of meta relevant Pokémon, it's useful source of creatures to recruit from.
Remember, you can always use Quick Coupons to recruit faster than the default 22 hour cooldown period.
Pokémon Champions 'Global Challenge 2026' dates
The 'Global Challenge 2026' Special Roster is available between Friday, 24th April at 3am UTC to Monday, 4th May, both at 3am UTC.
As for the 'Global Challenge 2026' competition itself, the entry period starts on Friday, 24th April until Friday, 1st May, with the event period then kicking in until Monday, 4th May, all at 3am UTC.
By finishing in three or more matches during the competition, you'll earn a Venusaur for participating.
If you want to read more about Pokémon Champions on One More Catch, we have guides to the full Pokémon Champions roster, how to link Pokémon Champions to Pokémon Home, a list of active Pokémon Champions Mystery Gift codes, and everything you need to know about moving creatures from Pokémon Go to Pokémon Champions.
Sign up to our newsletter for a free guide to the week ahead in Pokémon Go every Monday - plus original reporting and features straight to your inbox.
