The World Cup 2026 is not just about the exciting matches but also the quirky and humorous stories that emerge around the event. On June 26, several amusing incidents caught the attention of fans, showcasing the lighter side of this prestigious tournament.

England's Outdoor Yoga Session

Following a goalless draw against Ghana in their second group match, the England national team made headlines by practicing yoga in a public park. The team, led by coach Thomas Tuchel, cycled from their hotel to Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village, Kansas, instead of taking the usual bus. Stars like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Jordan Henderson participated in the outdoor yoga session aimed at physical recovery and mental relaxation. This unusual training method quickly attracted local residents, who eagerly recorded and photographed the players in action.

Turkey's Call for a Rematch

Another peculiar story arose from Turkey's 1-0 loss to Paraguay. During the second half, referee Ivan Barton accidentally dropped his watch, which was picked up by Paraguayan midfielder Matias Galarza. He put it on before returning it, leading to a controversy. The Turkish Football Federation considered filing a complaint with FIFA, claiming Galarza should have received a yellow card for his actions. However, FIFA dismissed the idea of a rematch, stating that the referee had backup equipment and the incident did not affect the match's outcome. This debate sparked lively discussions on social media.

Merlin the Duck: Mexico's Unofficial Mascot

While many teams brought traditional mascots, fans in Mexico introduced a unique phenomenon: Merlin the duck. Merlin, a pet of Karla Gómez from Mexico City, gained fame by wearing a miniature Mexico jersey during celebrations. Videos of Merlin waddling through crowds quickly went viral, and fans began to line up for photos with the duck, dubbing it the "unofficial mascot" of the Mexican team at the World Cup. Despite FIFA's safety regulations preventing Merlin from entering the stadium, the duck has become one of the tournament's most memorable side stories.

Elanga's Heartwarming Misunderstanding

In a touching moment, Swedish forward Anthony Elanga experienced a rollercoaster of emotions during a 1-1 draw with Japan. After scoring the equalizer, Elanga collapsed on the field, believing Sweden had been eliminated from the tournament. His teammate Alexander Isak had to clarify that Sweden had advanced to the next round. Elanga's initial despair followed by relief quickly spread across social media, capturing the hearts of fans.

These amusing anecdotes highlight the lighter moments of the World Cup 2026, reminding fans that the tournament is not just about competition but also about the joy and camaraderie that sports can bring.