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    5 Pokemon GO picks likely to do well at the 2026 World Championships

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    The 2026 Pokemon GO World Championships uses a “show six, bring three” format in a manner similar to how VGC works. It also follows the Great League’s rules, meaning that no Pokemon in the tournament can have a CP value above 1,500. As such, any recent developments in the Great League format will also end up having an impact on the 2026 World Championships.

    So with that information in mind we will take a look at certain Pokemon who look to have the most impact in the 2026 Pokemon GO World Championships.

    Top meta picks for the 2026 Pokemon GO World Championships

    1) Ninetales

    Ninetales in Pokemon GO (Image via The Pokemon Company)
    Ninetales in Pokemon GO (Image via The Pokemon Company)

    Fast Attack: Ember*

    Charged Attacks: Energy Ball* and Weather Ball (Fire)

    The buff to Energy Ball allowed Ninetales to become a bona fide meta threat against not just Steel-types like Tinkaton and Forretress, but also Water-types like Quagsire and Jellicent. This multi-faceted offensive utility has led to an increase in Ninetales usage which will most likely carry into Worlds as well.

    Also read: 2026 Pokemon World Championships Pokemon Center Merch: What’s in store?

    2) Altaria

    Altaria in Pokemon GO (Image via The Pokemon Company)
    Altaria in Pokemon GO (Image via The Pokemon Company)

    Fast Attack: Dragon Breath

    Charged Attacks: Sky Attack and Flamethrower

    Altaria has always been a terror in the Great League, despite many Fairy-types rising as well as Pokemon with Ice-type coverage. It can deal with the Steel-types that resist any of its STABs with Flamethrower. Additionally, with the Charm nerf hurting Fairy-types like Wigglytuff, it’s in a better position than before.

    3) Empoleon

    Empoleon in Pokemon GO (Image via The Pokemon Company)
    Empoleon in Pokemon GO (Image via The Pokemon Company)

    Fast Attack: Metal Sound

    Charged Attacks: Hydro Cannon* and Drill Peck

    Another regular in the Great League, Empoleon has a dual Water/Steel-typing giving it a total of 11 resistances (Bug, Dragon, Fairy, Flying, Ice, Normal, Poison, Psychic, Rock, Steel, and Water). As a fully evolved Water-type starter, it has access to Hydro Cannon making it quite the consistent damage dealer. Its typing also adds to its bulk and Drill Peck handles the occasional Grass-type like Jumpluff.

    4) Lickilicky

    Lickilicky in Pokemon GO (Image via The Pokemon Company)
    Lickilicky in Pokemon GO (Image via The Pokemon Company)

    Fast Attack: Rollout

    Charged Attacks: Body Slam* and Shadow Ball

    Lickilicky continues to be the best Normal-type in the meta. It can safely switch in to most things thanks to its bulk, while its access to Shadow Ball lets it check Ghost-types like Mimikyu and Galarian Corsola. It also constantly puts pressure on the opponent when it switches in, and as such is not just a simple passive wall.

    Also read: Pokemon turn-based combat may disappear altogether, but Game Freak already preserved it

    5) Thievul

    Thievul in Pokemon GO (Image via The Pokemon Company)
    Thievul in Pokemon GO (Image via The Pokemon Company)

    Fast Attack: Sucker Punch

    Charged Attacks: Icy Wind* and Night Slash

    A bit of a wildcard pick, but Nickit, Thievul‘s pre-evolution, had a Community Day this month where the move Icy Wind was teachable upon evolution. While this would only be helpful for the Great League, that’s the format being played at Worlds. Icy Wind not only hits Pokemon like Altaria hard, but also leaves the target with an Attack drop. As a result, players and fans should expect to see a few Thievuls at the 2026 World Championships.

    (*) indicates that the Pokemon does not learn the move naturally and only does so through Elite TMs or events.

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