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.