It was Bear’s big chance to make his mark on the World Cup stage. New Zealand goalkeeper Oli Sail held him close and whispered words of reassurance: “Alright, Buddy. Your moment to shine.”Bear went straight towards the ball, licked it and veered off in the other direction. Sail offered words of encouragement, but they were ignored. Bear looked out of his depth, unsure which way to go.Then, to the shock and hilarity of those watching on TV at home, it happened.“Oh, he’s pooing on the floor!” shrieked Tova O’Brien, one of the presenters, bursting into laughter.“Don’t stand on it!” an embarrassed Sail shouted.Bear, the goalkeeper’s 12-week-old golden retriever-poodle cross, looked confused. Sail intervened, picked him up and plonked him down in front of the two bowls marked with different flags. Which would he choose?“He’s going for New Zealand!” shouted Chris Chang, O’Brien’s co-host.From that, the presenters of New Zealand’s Breakfast show concluded that their national football team would kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a win against Iran — but that it would not be straightforward. Perhaps a late winner, Chang mused. Maybe they would have to overcome a red card.Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app