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. 

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."