As the 2026 World Cup continues to roll on in stadiums across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, 48 rescue dogs got in on the fun with a canine version of the sporting competition. 

LG Channels' World Pup series premiered on June 10 and will air the final championship match on July 8. For the competition, 48 dogs were split into eight national teams for head-to-head matches in a knockout-style event.
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During the matches, the pups have the opportunity to score goals using one of several soccer balls of various sizes scattered throughout the field. The goal of the competition? To secure the World Pup Trophy and a forever home. 

Each dog competing in the canine soccer competition traveled from shelters across the country, seeking adoption. By the time production completed on the World Pup, most of the puppies had accomplished their goal. 

To make matters more fun, the team at LG Channels recruited former Team U.S.A. World Cup athlete Jimmy Conrad to serve as the event's "rufferee." 

"I realized quite quickly that there were a lot of similarities," Conrad told PEOPLE of how his own experience compared to what he witnessed in the pup-centered games. "Some of the participants liked to run non-stop, others leaned into the physicality of the game, and others stayed on the fringes waiting for the right moment to make an impact."

"But there were some clear differences, too," he added, joking: "Like the freedom to urinate whenever and wherever, utilizing your nose to get to know your opponent better, and lying down on the field if you were tired."

While many of the participating pups have been adopted, other canines at the participating shelters (listed below) are still looking for forever homes.

Move over Puppy Bowl, here comes the World Pup!

LG Channels will launch World Pup, a puppy soccer tournament that will feature puppies from two rescue organizations in the Nutmeg State, the Connecticut Humane Society and Stamford's Lucky Dog Refuge Inc. according to a news release. The competition begins on June 10th. 

U.S. World Cup veteran Jimmy Conrad will serve as the competition's "Rufferee," alongside dog influencers Chili and Lumi who "provide commentary on the action," according to the release. "The four-part bracket-style puppy takeover tournament delivers adorable matchups, social-ready chaos, and a spotlight on rescue dogs from shelters across the country," according to the release. 

​Lucky Dog sent Frida, a six-to-eight month old terrier mix. She was adopted just before the filming in April. "I loved it," said Kirstin Mende, CEO and co-founder of Lucky Dog. "I come from and European family so we grew up watching soccer." The organization had participated in "Puppy Bowl" since 2023, she said. "Frida's story is exactly why these events matter. She began her life as a stray in rural Mississippi and today she's representing rescue dogs everywhere. If World Pup inspires even one person to choose adoption, then its already a win." 

STAMFORD — When 10 beagles released from Wisconsin breeding and research facility arrived in Connecticut last Saturday, volunteers with Lucky Dog Refuge were shocked by how quickly the dogs took to being showered with love and affection. 

"This was their first moment outside of a crate ever — Saturday night at like 1 a.m. when we got back to the rescue," Lucky Dog Refuge board member Kristen Roeckle said. 

The Stamford-based rescue group took in 10 beagles released from Ridglan Farms, a commercial breeding facility near Madison, Wisconsin, that supplies beagles for laboratory testing. The facility recently became the focus of national attention following protests, allegations of animal mistreatment, and massive rescue effort involving organizations across the country. 

Lucky Dog has already found homes for six of the dogs. The remaining four are being placed through Stamford-based foster rescue organization Project Precious. 
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The 10 dogs were among the first of roughly 1,500 dogs removed from Ridglan Farms under a confidential agreement negotiated by Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Florida and the Center for a Humane Economy in Maryland. 

Big Dog Ranch Rescue, based in Loxahatchee, Florida, brokered the deal through it's legal team.

The first group of approximately 300 beagles were released last weekend and flown to various locations across the country, including 16 that arrived in Essex County Airport in New Jersey and were met by Lucky Dog volunteers. 

Additional batches of dogs were flown out over the next few days at a pace of roughly 300 per day, with the final transfers completed Thursday.

Pilots To The Rescue, an animal rescue nonprofit that relocates animals in danger from natural disasters or at risk of being euthanized due to overcrowding in shelters, had been transporting the dogs nationwide.

Regional rescue organizations are coordinating the distribution effort, with New York City Second Chance Rescue overseeing placements throughout the Northeast and partnering with local rescue groups such as Lucky Dog Refuge. 

Before being transported to shelters and rescue organizations, the dogs had to be vaccinated, microchipped and medically evaluated as part of the relocation effort. Some will also need to be spayed or neutered.

"This was truly an unprecedented and unplanned moment. We all only had like 24 hours' notice," Roeckle said.

​​Ridglan Farms drew widespread scrutiny last month after activists staged protests and break-ins at the Wisconsin facility that ended in tear gas and rubber bullets. Animal welfare advocates say beagles are frequently used for testing because of their small size and notably gentle, trusting temperament.

Authorities said dozens of people could face charges connected to another break-in earlier this year, while activists have accused police of using excessive force during a subsequent protest involving about 1,000 demonstrators. 

The facility agreed last year to surrender its breeding license as part of a deal to avoid prosecution over felony animal mistreatment allegations. A special prosecutor concluded the facility had preformed painful eye procedures without anesthetic that violated state veterinary standards, though Ridglan Farms has denied mistreating animals. 

"Lucky Dog Refuge is honored to help provide a second chance to beagles recused from the Ridglan breeding facility," Lucky Dog co-founder and CEO Kirstin Mende said. 

"These dogs were sadly bred solely for laboratory testing and had never known many of life's simplest joys — grass beneath their paws, toys to play with, or affection from loving hands," Mende said. "Watching them experience kindness, the outdoors, and play for the very first time had been profoundly moving. Despite everything they endured, they have met this new world with trust, joy, and resilience." 

Mende also credited the organizations and volunteers coordinating the multistate rescue operation. 

"We are deeply grateful to our friends at New York City Second Chance Rescue for spearheading this lifesaving effort on behalf of rescues in our area and entrusting Lucky Dog with the care of these deserving beagles," she said. "We are equally thankful to the incredible volunteers with Pilots To The Rescue, whose freedom flight made their journey possible." 

beherenow_films  Hope's Story! We are overjoyed that Hope, then Panther, and now Hunter, has found his way into a loving forever home! 

Thank you @pilotstotherescue and @luckydogrefuge for keeping him safe along his journey and @yooperjojo for finding him and @kirstenlindseyyy @mariapurent @jamielynneallover and everyone that helped search for him @for.petes.sake.official @loebjeremy @curtis_v0llmar @sexyfitvegan

Hi everyone, My name is Melissa, and I am one of the very lucky people who had the chance to welcome Hunter — formerly known as Hope or Pink Panther — into our family. 

I just wanted to share with everyone that he is doing incredibly well and is truly one of the sweetest souls we have ever met. 

We are so amazed by how loving, gentle, and trusting he is with both people and other animals. He is already starting to get comfortable walking on a leash and happily wants to greet every person and furry friend he sees along the way.

There are still a few sounds that make him a little nervous, and he's slowly learning that he is finally safe and loved. But despite everything he as been through, he continues to show up nothing but sweetness and love every single moment.
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It had only been 48 hours since he came home with us, yet it honestly feels like he has always belonged here. We already cannot imagine our lives without him. 

Thank you to everyone who helped give these beautiful beagles a second chance at life and love. Hunter is already so deeply loved 🐾 

Follow Hope/Panther/Hunters journey: Instagram:    / hunterjaume

thedogist These beagles are lucky to have been saved by a team of people who refused to let them live their lives as laboratory test subjects. 

These sweet natured dogs will now get to enjoy life as they should: as a family. 

If you're interested in welcoming one of these dogs into your family, please inquire with @nycscr  or @luckydogrefuge

This effort was made possible by their teams, @pilotstotherescue, and @animalrescueconsortium

Eight dogs from Connecticut competed in the annual Puppy Bowl on Sunday, in which Team Ruff took on Team Fluff. 

Team Fluff ultimately won the competition, taking home the Lombarky Trophy in a 73-69 game. The three-hour show featured 150 dogs from 72 shelters across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands, including the eight dogs from Connecticut, according to a news release. 

The fourth annual Luckypawlooza, a fundraising event that supports the Lucky Dog Refuge and upgrades to Mill River's Dog Park, kicks off this weekend.
"Every dog at Lucky Dog Refuge has a story-they come to us from heartbreaking situations with no options left," said co-founder and CEO of Lucky Dog Refuge Kirstin Mende via email. "Luckypawlooza gives those dogs a voice. The funds we raise help cover their medical care, enrichment and daily needs, but it also gives our community the chance to see the faces and wagging tails they're helping. It's hope, brought to life."

Rain or shine Mill River Park in Stamford will be full of families and individuals with their four-legged friends on Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19 from noon to 5 p.m. Attendees can park in applicable town lots and garages. Also, the UCONN parking lot is free on the weekends and available on a first come, first serve basis.

Lucky Dog Refuge reported on its website that over 1,500 people attended last year's event, and they are anticipating an even bigger turnout and an even better event.
"Luckypawlooza is pure joy in motion," said board member of Lucky Dog Refuge and event co-chair Kristen Roeckle via email. "It's where wagging tails meet smiling faces, and where compassion turns into action. It is about community, connection and making a difference in the lives of both animals and people. We're proud to host an event where families can have fun, support local entrepreneurs and help rescue dogs all at once-it's the best of Stamford coming together."

Presented by Magna Construction, Luckypawlooza will be hosted by social media duo Sam Ramsdell and Oooh Jaaames. 

"Supporting Lucky Dog Refuge is an easy choice," said Magna Construction owner Frank Lovello via email. "Their passion for saving lives and building community mirrors our own values-and Luckypawlooza captures that spirit perfectly."
New this yearNew to Luckypawlooza this year, according to Mende, are activities such as the Maritime Aquarium touch tank; Reishi's rocks crystal mining and geode cracking with The Gardener's Center and painting workshops in the park with Pinot's Palette. Also new is the charity fitness classes hosted by Stamford's Lifetime Fitness and Pure Barre that will be held outdoors on the rooftop of the Whittingham Discovery Center; a panel discussion with local rescue advocates and a new digital guidebook.


EntertainmentAttendees can look forward to live entertainment and an array of interactive activities for all ages such as games, best costume contest and "Biggest Gape" (mouth) competitions-a challenge to Ramsdell's Guinness World Record for being the female with the widest mouth.
There will also be a kid's zone with an inflatable slide, face painting, crafts and more.

Of course, the dogs get to have their time to shine with the Alpha Dog Fun Run, best trick and costume contests, training demos, photo opportunities at themed backdrops and photo booths, pet-focused vendors and more. There will also be adoptable dogs there as well.
FoodLuckypawlooza will have an array of food trucks including American Swirl, Los Poblanos, Cousins Maine Lobster, Greek Style Grill and more. There will also be the Licker Cabinet Beer Garden, the Barkista Bar serving up "pup cups" and treats for the dogs and local artisans and crafters.


TicketsWhile the event is free for children under 12 there is a small fee for adults and kids over 12, but proceeds will go directly to supporting Lucky Dog Refuge, a Stamford-based nonprofit organization that focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs in need. The money will also contribute to community improvements, including enhancements to the Mill River Park Dog Park. Admission for adults is $10 for one day or $18 for two days. Admission for seniors and kids over 12 is $5 for one day or $8 for two days.