Shark predicts winner of World Cup 2026 opening match

 With just six days remaining until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a shark in Brazil has made an early prediction for the tournament’s opening match.

The World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is set to kick off on June 11, featuring 48 teams competing for football’s biggest prize.

According to international media reports, a female shark named “Retenia,” housed at the Aquario aquarium in Rio de Janeiro, predicted a victory for Brazil in the tournament’s opening match against Morocco.

As part of a promotional event held on Wednesday, divers placed two boxes bearing the names of Brazil and Morocco on the floor of the aquarium. Retenia swam toward and selected the box marked with Brazil, signaling her prediction for the outcome of the match.

Reuters reported that the aquarium organized the activity as an interactive attraction designed to engage visitors and raise awareness about sharks.

Aquarium Chief Executive Marcelo Szpilman said the initiative aims to help change public perceptions about sharks and encourage greater understanding of the species.

He described the prediction event as a fun and highly interactive way to attract public interest while promoting marine conservation awareness.

While the prediction carries no scientific weight, it has added a lighthearted touch to the growing excitement surrounding the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.