Meet the famous Toronto goldfish predicting every FIFA World Cup match
Who needs the opinion of soccer experts and analysts when there's a FIFA World Cup-loving goldfish doing the same thing?
Meet Swimbappe, a soccer-predicting fish living in a FIFA World Cup-themed tank at 225 Wellington St. W. Within the last week, the fish has quietly become one of downtown Toronto's biggest attractions.
And before you dismiss Swimbappe as just another fish with a social media page, know that he's currently sporting an 8-6 record through the first 14 FIFA World Cup matches, which isn't bad for a little guy with a famously short attention span.
Before each match, miniature flags representing the countries playing are placed on opposite sides of his tank. Whichever flag Swimbappe swims toward first becomes the official pick and is shared on the official @swimbappe page.
Tourists and fans swarm Swimbappe's tank ahead of his Portugal vs. Congo DR prediction on June 17. (Marley Dickinson/Offside)
Yes, it sounds ridiculous, though the aquatic analyst's picks have been wildly accurate.
If you're wondering where the fish got his name, it's a nod to French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappé, who has already scored two goals for France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Like the speedy Mbappé, Swimbappe spends most of his time swimming laps in his soccer-themed aquarium. The famous fish has also been cheering on his namesake from afar, wishing the French striker good luck before his opening match against Senegal.
Soccer fans can catch a glimpse of Toronto's newest celebrity on the northwest corner of the CBC Broadcasting Centre at 225 Wellington St. W., just outside the Combine Toronto social club.
But don't be surprised if you have to wait in line to get a photo with the underwater superstar.
Lucas Medeiros/Offside
