Giraffe Fali, one of the most famous residents of Terra Natura zoo in Murcia, Spain, has become a phenomenon this World Cup season. Fali has consistently and accurately predicted the results of the Spanish national team's matches. Before each game, zoo staff place two food bins, each adorned with the flag of a competing team, in front of Fali. The animal then chooses one to predict the winning team.

Giraffe predicts the result of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. *EFE*.

After correctly predicting Spain's victories against Portugal in the round of 16, Belgium in the quarterfinals, and France in the semifinals, Fali has once again chosen the Spanish team to win the championship. The final match is set to take place in New York on 19/7.

Meanwhile, pygmy hippo Moo Deng, who gained global social media fame in 2024, has placed its trust in Argentina. At Khao Kheow zoo, located about 110 km east of Bangkok, Moo Deng chose a watermelon with "ARG" printed on it and an Argentina flag. This selection predicts that the South American representative will defeat Spain to claim the championship title.

Moo Deng is very popular in the US and was featured in a skit by comedian Bowen Yang on Saturday Night Live. It previously accurately predicted that US President Donald Trump would win the 2024 election.

Hippo Moo Deng chose a watermelon half with a French flag on 14/7. *Nation Thailand*.

The conflicting "prophecies" from Fali and Moo Deng have captured the attention of fans ahead of the World Cup's most anticipated match.

Spain and Argentina are set to clash in the World Cup 2026 final at MetLife stadium in New York, US, at 2h on 20/7 (Vietnam time). Spain aims for its second world championship after winning in 2010, while Argentina seeks to defend its title and secure its 4th World Cup. This confrontation between two footballing nations, rich in tradition, is expected to be a highlight of the tournament, drawing millions of fans worldwide.

Prior to these predictions, two-year-old duck Merlin in Mexico City also garnered attention. Merlin chose the Mexico flag, predicting the North American team would defeat South Korea in the second match of Group A. The animal became an "internet phenomenon" from 12/6 after appearing on Reforma avenue wearing a Mexico national team jersey. A video of Merlin waddling on the street attracted millions of views. This unexpected popularity led to the Gomez family being invited by FIFA representatives for a meeting, photos, and promotional video shoot on 15/6.

Many tourists take photos with Merlin as the animal appears on the streets of Mexico's capital. *Reuters*.

Having animals predict football results is a familiar and highly entertaining tradition at every World Cup. This trend originated with Paul the octopus in 2010.

Paul the octopus, who lived at Sea Life aquarium in Germany, caused a global "storm" by correctly predicting 12 out of 14 matches. He achieved this by choosing food from a box adorned with the winning team's flag. This accurate prediction record led world media to affectionately call Paul a "prophet".

By Tuan Anh (According to El Mundo, Khaosod)