These soccer ball tuna rice balls are an adorable and easy option to celebrate the World Cup or any soccer-themed party. Each bite-sized ball is filled with seasoned tuna, wrapped in sticky sushi rice, and decorated with small pieces of nori (seaweed) to resemble a soccer ball. They make a savory, satisfying snack or appetizer that looks festive and tastes great.
Quick Overview
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 168
- Protein per serving: 7g
- Difficulty: Medium
- Diet types: Gluten-free, dairy-free & soy-free (if using coconut aminos instead of soy)
- Flavor notes: Savory, slightly tangy from sushi rice, creamy tuna center
Table of contents
- Quick Overview
- Why you’ll love these soccer tuna rice balls
- Recipe Ingredients
- How to make Soccer Tuna Rice Balls
- Michelle’s Tips & Tricks
- Can you make these ahead of time?
- Other Sushi Inspired Recipes to Try
Why you’ll love these soccer tuna rice balls
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to many cities, soccer parties are popular and these rice balls are a playful, savory addition. They combine classic sushi-style seasoned rice with a creamy tuna filling and are finished with nori shapes to mimic a soccer ball. Kids and adults both enjoy them because they are visually fun and taste like a familiar tuna sandwich in sushi form.
They are reminiscent of simple tuna rice bowls but are served as hand-held rice balls that travel well on a party platter. The balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates makes them more filling than many novelty party foods.
These are surprisingly easy to make and enjoyable to assemble. A few precise steps—cooking sticky rice, mixing the tuna filling, shaping the balls, and cutting nori—result in an impressive finish that takes minimal ingredients.
- Cute but savory. These look fun without relying on sugar-heavy decorations.
- Satisfying and balanced. Tuna + mayo and seasoned rice deliver a substantial bite.
- Perfect for themed events. Great for World Cup watch parties, team celebrations, or soccer birthday parties.
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe instructions below for full details and tips.
- Sushi rice — short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked, ideal for molding.
- Rice vinegar — seasons the cooked rice and gives the classic sushi rice tang.
- Canned tuna — drained; canned salmon can be substituted.
- Mayo & green onion — mixed into the tuna for creaminess and brightness; avocado or cream cheese are alternatives.
- Nori sheets — cut into small hexagons and pentagons to decorate the rice balls like soccer panels.
How to make Soccer Tuna Rice Balls
Below are the key steps to assemble these rice balls. Read through all steps before starting so the rice and filling are ready at the right time.
Step One. Rinse 1 cup sushi rice until water runs clear. Soak 1–2 hours if time allows, then cook in a rice cooker or on the stove with a pinch of salt. After cooking, let the rice steam with the lid on for 10–15 minutes. Toss with 2 tsp rice vinegar and spread in a bowl to cool until warm but not hot.
Step Two. Drain a 5 oz can of tuna and mix with 2 tbsp mayo and 2 tbsp chopped green onion. Adjust mayo to taste; swap in spicy mayo for heat or mashed avocado for a different texture.
Step Three. Wet your hands slightly or use plastic wrap to prevent sticking. Place a scoop of rice on a piece of cling wrap, flatten into a round disc, add about 2 tbsp tuna in the center, then top with more rice. Use the wrap to gently shape into a firm ball. Repeat until rice and filling are used.
Step Four. Use clean scissors to cut small hexagon and pentagon shapes from a sheet of nori. Gently press the nori shapes onto the rice balls to create the soccer pattern. A light brush of water will help the nori adhere if needed.
Step Five. Serve immediately with soy sauce or coconut aminos for dipping if desired. These are best eaten fresh while the rice is still slightly warm or at room temperature.
Michelle’s Tips & Tricks
- Make it spicy. Swap regular mayo for spicy mayo or add Sriracha to taste for a kick.
- Alternative fillings. If you don’t like mayo, mashed avocado or a smear of cream cheese both make delicious substitutes.
- Size options. Make smaller bite-sized balls for party trays or larger ones to serve as a light meal. Adjust filling amounts accordingly.
- Keep nori crisp. Cut nori right before serving to avoid it wilting against moist rice. If prepping ahead, store nori shapes separately and apply shortly before serving.
Can you make these ahead of time?
These tuna rice balls are best enjoyed fresh, but they keep well for short-term prep. You can make them a few hours ahead and refrigerate covered. If storing overnight, prepare the rice balls and keep the nori separate; add the nori just before serving so it stays crisp. For parties, assemble most of the balls and finish the nori decorating shortly before guests arrive.
If you try these Soccer Tuna Rice Balls, please leave a star rating on the recipe and share how they turned out in the comments. Enjoy creating a fun, savory centerpiece for your next soccer celebration!
Other Sushi Inspired Recipes to Try…
- Sushi Handroll
- Salmon Rice Paper “Sushi” Rolls
- Mini Salmon Sushi Bake
Soccer Tuna Rice Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 5 oz can of tuna, drained
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 2 tbsp green onion, chopped
- 1 sheet nori
Instructions
- Rinse the sushi rice until the water runs clear and soak for 1–2 hours if possible. Cook in a rice cooker or follow stovetop package instructions, seasoning with a pinch of salt.
- After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 15 minutes to steam. Remove the lid, add rice vinegar, and toss to coat. Allow to cool until warm.
- Combine drained tuna with mayo and chopped green onion, mixing thoroughly.
- Wet your hands and place a scoop of rice on cling wrap. Flatten into a disc, add about 2 tbsp tuna in the center, then top with more rice and shape into a ball using the wrap.
- Continue shaping all rice balls. Use scissors to cut small hexagons from nori and arrange them on the rice balls to create a soccer-ball pattern.
- Serve fresh with soy sauce or coconut aminos for dipping if desired.
Notes
Substitutions: If you don’t like mayo, use mashed avocado or a thin layer of cream cheese instead. For a spicy option, mix Sriracha with the mayo.
, Protein: 7 g