June 12, 2026, 3:32 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Germany kicks off the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Curaçao on June 14. But who will win the DFB team’s first match? Before the pros take the field, the PETBOOK editorial pets have made their predictions. However, cat Dino, Pomeranian Yumi, Australian Shepherd Elvis, and Labrador Hector don’t quite agree.
Animal Oracles Have Tradition
The idea of consulting animals as prophets is not new. The most famous was Paul, the renowned octopus oracle from Oberhausen, who correctly predicted all of Germany’s matches and the final at the 2010 World Cup, gaining worldwide fame. Since then, animal oracles have become a regular ritual before major tournaments–sometimes with octopuses, sometimes with elephants, sometimes with hamsters. What they all have in common: They decide without tactical calculation and without team loyalty. Just by gut feeling–or in this case: by the bowl.
For the 2024 European Championship, PETBOOK already had dogs and cats from the editorial team make predictions. Pomeranian Yumi and cat Remo gave their tips for the opening match using the oracle set from Tony-Petfluencer Agency, with different outcomes.
The PETBOOK Editorial Pets Have Voted
The animal experts from the PETBOOK editorial team are also not missing the 2026 World Cup. This time, cat Dino, Pomeranian Yumi, Australian Shepherd Elvis, and Labrador Hector are participating. They used the World Cup oracle game from Animonda: three bowls, two of which were labeled with the national flags of the opponents, and one with the “Draw” sticker. All three bowls contained the same treats–no advantage for any team.
Elvis Bets on Germany
Australian Shepherd Elvis, the dog of PETBOOK author Manuela Lieflaender, made a quick decision. Without hesitation, he went straight for the bowl with the German flag and grabbed his treat. For him, it’s clear: Germany will win the opening match against Curaçao.
Cat Dino Believes in a Successful Start
Editorial cat Dino also chose Germany. Without much hesitation, he opted for the bowl with the German flag. This puts him in the group of optimists, predicting a successful start to the tournament for the DFB team.
Yumi Goes Against the Odds
Pomeranian Yumi caused the biggest surprise. While most of her animal colleagues bet on Germany, she chose Curaçao. Whether the little underdog tipster has made a real dark horse prediction or is off the mark this time will be revealed on Sunday.
Hector Takes All Options
Labrador Hector, the dog of PETBOOK editor Jasmin Reddmann, followed his own strategy. Instead of choosing Germany, Curaçao, or a draw, he simply emptied all the bowls. His prediction remains open–typical of a Labrador, it seems the contents of the bowls were more important to him than the outcome.
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Animonda Sends 80 Petfluencers into the Race
The PETBOOK editorial pets are not alone in their predictions. Animonda equipped around 80 petfluencers with the World Cup oracle game. And the special feature this year: For the first time, not only dogs but also cats are making predictions. How the large swarm oracle assesses the games will be published on the Instagram account of Animonda on each match day.
Henry is Confident
Two of the petfluencers are already familiar with the oracle from the preliminary round–they participated in the 2024 European Championship and proved they have a good nose. Henry, a Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix, also clearly bets on Germany: “As a small representative of the German Spitz, it’s naturally a no-brainer for him,” says his owner. For Henry’s family, participating is something special: “Since everyone in our family is a huge soccer fan, the theme fits us perfectly. Our personal highlight is Henry’s reaction to the oracle set: He runs so enthusiastically towards it that it’s almost difficult to film him.”
Willi Bets on Team Germany
Just like Henry, Elvis, and Dino, Maltese Willi also bets on Germany. For his family, the oracle is more than just a game: “Participating in the oracle brings us together as a family, as we are all there when Willi gets started. He enjoys any form of activity, especially when it involves treats. In this case, we also train his impulse control, as he has to wait for the go-ahead to start the oracle. Our personal highlight is when Willi is happy and having fun with the oracle–and when his prediction is correct.”
Cat Hugo Also Believes in Germany
Oracle cat Hugo has also chosen Germany and predicts a German victory in the first match. His family explains: “Our oracle cat Hugo has chosen Germany and predicts a German victory in the first match. The World Cup oracle is exciting for us because the cats decide completely impartially. Since all bowls contain the same snacks, we never know in advance which choice will be made. These little moments of surprise make the anticipation particularly exciting for us every time.”
Germany Leads Among the Animals
Still, a clear picture doesn’t quite emerge. While Elvis, Dino, Henry, Willi, and Hugo bet on Germany, Yumi believes in a surprise from Curaçao. Labrador Hector remains diplomatically neutral and simply devoured all options. Thus, the majority of the animal experts clearly see Germany ahead. Whether they are right will be revealed on June 14. PETBOOK will continue to accompany the German national team’s World Cup matches with animal tips.