Animals at Guadalajara Zoo in Mexico are predicting winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, following in the footsteps of Paul the Octopus from 2010 [1, 2]. Two elephants predicted Mexico would win the opening match against South Africa on June 11 by choosing grass marked with the Mexican flag [2]. Gorillas Chenchi and Faustina predicted Uruguay will beat Spain in the June 26 match by selecting a piñata shaped like Uruguay’s jersey [2]. A puma named Muluk predicted South Korea will defeat the Czech Republic, while six giraffes favored the Democratic Republic of Congo over Colombia [2].
Zookeeper Ivan Reynoso explained, "The idea is that the animals are going to make predictions about different matches that will be played." He said the activity enriches the animals and stimulates their senses beyond just entertaining visitors, noting, "This kind of activity enriches them a great deal, not only visually for the audience but for them as well" [2]. Another zookeeper remarked, "It’s clear who won!" after a recent prediction session [2].
The animals involved represent a diverse group, including elephants, gorillas, a puma, and giraffes [1, 2]. The concept is inspired by Paul the Octopus, who correctly predicted 12 of 14 match outcomes during the 2010 World Cup [1, 2].
The elephants made their Mexico winner prediction on June 6 ahead of the tournament’s kickoff [2]. Guadalajara Zoo plans to continue using the animals to forecast outcomes throughout the tournament as games are played.
