Stephen Chow’s ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ to debut in U.S., U.K., Canada and Ireland on Oct. 23

The action‑comedy will be released in its original language and a newly produced English dub, distributed by Encore Films.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:25:24 GMT

Stephen Chow’s action‑comedy “Kung Fu Soccer” is slated to open in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland on Oct. 23, per Singapore‑based distributor Encore Films.

What happened

The film debuted in mainland China on July 11, 2026 and will be rolled out in North America and the U.K. on Oct. 23. Encore will present both the original‑language version and a newly produced English dub, with Chow, Jimmy O. Yang and MC Jin voicing their own characters. A Cantonese dub has also been completed, though its cast remains undisclosed.

What the reports add

Variety notes that the rollout also includes Ireland and that the English dub will be shown alongside the original Mandarin track.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that the film earned roughly $344.4 million (RMB 2.315 billion) during China’s June 1‑Aug 31 summer box‑office window, making it the season’s top‑grossing title and helping lift the country’s total summer revenue to about $1.86 billion.
Variety cites a higher total box‑office figure of about $349 million for the Chinese run.
Both outlets confirm the Oct. 23 release date and the involvement of the three English‑dub voice talents.
Variety details the film’s earlier Asia‑Pacific rollout, which began in Singapore and Cambodia on Aug. 6 and then moved to Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Brunei and Thailand.

What was said

“Following the tremendous response to ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ across Asia and Oceania, we’re excited to bring the film to cinema audiences in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland,”

Joyce Lee, managing director of Encore Films, said in statements quoted by both Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

“Stephen Chow’s films have always transcended language and cultural boundaries, bringing audiences together through his unique blend of action, comedy and heart,”

Lee added, emphasizing the company’s commitment to both the English and Cantonese dubs.

How it came about

“Kung Fu Soccer” revisits the sports‑meets‑kung‑fu formula that made Chow’s 2001 hit “Shaolin Soccer” a global cult classic. After dominating the Chinese summer box office and completing a staggered release across Southeast Asia in August, the film is timed for a Western debut that coincides with heightened soccer interest during the 2026 World Cup season.

Key facts

Stephen Chow’s ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ will open in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Ireland on Oct. 23, 2026. (variety.com)
The release will include both the original-language version and a newly produced English dub. (hollywoodreporter.com)
Jimmy O. Yang, MC Jin and Stephen Chow will voice their own characters in the English dub. (variety.com)
The film earned approximately $344.4 million in China during the June‑August 2026 summer box‑office season. (hollywoodreporter.com)