Messi fan? Viral hippo "Moo Deng" predicts World Cup 2026 winner; choice causes social media frenzy

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is drawing near, and amidst the global anticipation, a young pygmy hippopotamus in Thailand has captured international attention with its World Cup predictions. "Moo Deng," a two-year-old hippo at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has become an internet sensation after seemingly predicting the winner of the upcoming final between Spain and Argentina.

As part of a tourist activity, zoo keepers prepared fruits carved into footballs, each adorned with the flags of the competing nations. Moo Deng was presented with options representing both Spain and Argentina. After a moment of apparent deliberation, the young hippo focused its attention on the fruit marked with the Argentine flag, signaling its choice for the tournament winner.

The zoo clarified that this prediction activity was purely for entertainment purposes and did not intend to endorse or encourage gambling. Moo Deng's prediction has sparked widespread discussion and amusement on social media, adding a lighthearted element to the final's buildup.