As World Cup 2026 concludes, a roundup of the tournament's stranger photographs includes animals, cake, and a dancing robot.
Peruvian Shamans and Moo Deng the Hippo
Peruvian shamans performed a ritual in Lima to predict the final result between Spain and Argentina. Two-year-old pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng, who went viral in 2024, ate a football-shaped carved watermelon decorated with Argentina's flag in Chonburi province, Thailand, after picking it over Spain's. Both predictions were wrong.
Merlin the Duck's Tournament
Merlin the duck went viral at the start of the World Cup. The two-year-old duck, already a local celebrity in Mexico City, met President Claudia Sheinbaum, was banned from Mexico's match against Czechia, and honored on a commemorative lottery ticket by Mexico's national lottery.
Fan Moments and Celebrations
Thousands gathered at the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City to celebrate Mexico's 3-0 victory over Czechia. A Mexico fan chilled outside Los Angeles Stadium in a toy Cybertruck with his dog Swaggy Wolfdog. A baby Jesus figurine dressed in Mexico's jersey was arranged at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City for fans to pray for the team.
Half-Time Entertainment
American DJ Steve Aoki caked a presenter at half-time of the Norway v England quarter-final. A Germany fan used a disposable film camera. A performing skeleton danced in a World Cup parade in Mexico City.
Robot and Fans
Rex the Robot, aka Brickell Clanker, danced among Norway fans on Ocean Drive ahead of their quarter-final against England. Fans tried to teach Rex the Viking Row. Erling Haaland lookalike Norway fans took inspiration from the popular 'Richies' group.
Messi and Ronaldo Tributes
People gathered by a statue of Lionel Messi in Neuquen, Argentina, as Argentina played England in the semi-final. Portugal fans held signs declaring Cristiano Ronaldo the GOAT. A TV staffer used materials showing Messi as the GOAT.
Other Quirky Sights
Container cranes at Seattle shipping port welcomed Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar teams. A Brazil fan photobombed Argentina supporters in Times Square. Sasquatch appeared with a friend in Seattle for USA's match against Australia. Japan fans looked dejected crossing a road in Tokyo after their team's last-32 defeat by Brazil.
