As the countdown reaches fever pitch for tonight’s historic 2026 FIFA World Cup opener between South Africa and co-hosts Mexico, an unlikely football pundit has officially made her prediction.
The team at the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town put their resident octopus, Cherry, to the ultimate test: choosing between the two competing nations.
Spoiler Alert: Cherry Has Spoken…
In a light-hearted social media reveal, the aquarium showed Cherry making her final decision. To the absolute heartbreak of local fans, Cherry picked Mexico to walk away with the win tonight.
Brains Behind the Prediction
While it doubles as fantastic pre-match entertainment, this activity is actually a critical part of Cherry’s daily enrichment programme.
Designed by animal care staff to stimulate her high intelligence and natural behaviors, these challenges keep her sharp. Her usual routine includes:
- Solving prey puzzles hidden inside jars and tubes
- Manipulating tactile toys
- Utilizing her incredible problem-solving abilities to hunt and explore
Breaking the 2010 Curse?
Using marine life to forecast major sporting tournaments is a beloved tradition, but Bafana Bafana faithful will be praying that Cherry’s crystal ball is broken tonight.
Exactly 16 years after South Africa and Mexico played out that legendary 1-1 draw at Soccer City in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, the two nations renew their rivalry at 21:00 (SA Time). Let’s hope the boys prove her wrong!
