Look who’s at the 2026 FIFA World Cup party!

Thinking of animals at the football World Cup is more often a casual shortcut to anthropomorphic mascots than to natural animals living around us. The football party may be hosted by prestigious FIFA but remember what Shakira said in the 2014 World Cup song, ‘Feel how the planet’s become one’. No kidding.

While we have had a plethora of colorful, well-designed, animated animal mascots gracing the FIFA World Cup history, we have also had real animals stealing the spotlight left and right, becoming unforgettable stars and fan favourites. Without further ado, let’s kick off the list with the Mexican viral sensation right now — Merlín.

Merlín the duck

Wearing stylish shoes, the verdant jersey of his home country, and a tidy look on his face, Pato Merlín, 2 years old and a member of the Gomez family, waddled through the streets of Mexico City being the centre of attention.

Only a couple of days ago, on June 11, had he become an overnight internet sensation as he joined the celebrations of Mexico’s win in the opening match against South Africa. The fame was chasing him and football-loving humans called him the unofficial Mexican mascot. Since then Merlín has met the Mexican president, attended a press conference, did multiple photoshoots, and even became the official Mexican ambassador for the World Cup.

No entry: Merlín was not allowed to attend any matches inside the stadium because of FIFA rules not allowing animals (except service animals) inside the venue.

Osito the dog

While young Merlín was finding himself catapulted to busy international fame, older Osito served looks and pure swag, arriving in style for Mexico’s opening match, making everyone stop at their tracks in awe.

8-year-old Mexican poodle mix Osito is a rescue dog. He didn’t hold back his fashion — striking sunglasses, Mexican jersey, a lovely cap, and even a backpack – when he came sitting on a cargo bicycle which his devoted human rode to the streets outside the venue. With Merlín and Osito, Team Mexico’s fan list was power packed. Unfortunately, Mexico officially moved out of World Cup contention as they lost to England in knockouts, round of 16.

Paul the octopus

If there was a G.O.A.T among this list of animal stars, it surely is Paul. The 2010 World Cup was his playground and he was the ultimate seer.

A common octopus, Paul was living at the Sea Life Center in Germany when he started to predict the outcome of football matches. Sea Life’s director Daniel Fey knew that Paul was talented and intelligent early on. During the 2010 World Cup, he perfectly predicted the outcomes of 8 matches without a single mistake. This was legendary and Paul became a global icon. He died on October 26 of natural causes at 2 and a half years old leaving behind a peerless legacy.

Did you know?

Paul received death threats from German fans because he accurately predicted that his own team Germany would lose in the World Cup semifinal against Spain. Spanish PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero offered him state protection.

Achilles the cat

Paul had started the prediction trend to which Achilles gladly added on. This Russian blue-eyed deaf feline citizen, who lived in St. Petersburg’s Hermitage museum in Russia during the 2018 World Cup, quickly rose to stardom as the oracle cat.

I guess talent cannot stay hidden after all. He had trained before prediction, looking at the charts and schedules of the matches. He would choose between bowls of food representing each team to pick the winner. Unlike Paul, Achilles didn’t get a perfect score as he had made several incorrect predictions. Even then, Achilles’ charm won the hearts of many, and he went on to take a spot in the history of animal oracles.

Dave the cat

Qatar born Dave was neither a fashionista nor a soothsayer. He was simply a loyal stray fan and the best support for Team England during the 2022 World Cup.

He lived in Al Wakrah, near Team England’s hotel and training camp. Chill Dave had spent much time around Team England that the players couldn’t help but take him in as part of their family. He was adopted by defenders Kyle Walker and John Stones and throughout the World Cup, even journalists couldn’t help enquiring about Dave at press conferences. In a new chapter of his life, after the World Cup, Dave moved to England and has been living there ever since.

Balthazar the rooster

While Dave was an unexpected fan friend, French-born Balthazar was an ardent sports fan who would show up not just to the FIFA World Cup but also extend his support to France in the Euro-Championship and even rugby tournaments.

The rooster’s human father, Clément Tomaszewski, started taking the rooster to tournaments with his first appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 1998. The FIFA animal ban rule wasn’t as stringent as today so the steward allowed Clément to take the rooster inside the venue. Maybe it was the power of Balthazar’s unconditional love or maybe it wasn’t. Either way, Balthazar went on to become a real-life emblem as France won their first ever World Cup in 1998, defeating legendary Brazil 3-0! Though the original Balthazar died, his legacy continued as Clement brought more successors carrying the Balthazar name.

Bi the pitch invader dog

The OG animal showstopper, perhaps. The Chilean stray dog literally stopped the quarter-finals match between Brazil and England at the 1962 World Cup by running deftly into the pitch such that no one could stop him.

It was England’s Jimmy Greaves who got down on his knees, as seen here, and beckoned the dog to him. Brazil’s legendary winger Garrincha loved the moment so much that he adopted the dog and named him Bi.

Extra: Pickles the dog

Pickles, the black and white collie was not a fan but he became an unforgettable figure to FIFA thanks to his exceptional senses. When the Jules Rimet trophy (which was the original FIFA World Cup trophy) was stolen in 1966, it was Pickles who found it while he was on a stroll with his owner. He became a national hero and was awarded a silver medal for his save.

Published – July 13, 2026 08:00 am IST