A Longhorn in Dallas Has Been Calling the Knockout Rounds All Tournament. On Thursday, He Picks the Winner of the Final. Live.

As the 2026 World Cup draws to a close, a unique local tradition in Dallas has captured attention beyond the typical sports fanfare. Buddy the Longhorn, a distinctive figure stationed at Fuel City, a renowned Dallas landmark, has been making live predictions throughout the tournament's knockout stages. Now, with the final match imminent, Buddy is set to deliver his ultimate forecast during a public event on July 16, 2026.

Throughout the tournament, Buddy’s method for choosing winners has been straightforward yet captivating. Presented with two feed buckets adorned with the flags of competing countries, Buddy's choice of bucket determines the predicted victor. These selections, termed "Drizz Drops," are shared in real time via social media channels, specifically Instagram and TikTok under the handle @drizz.drops, allowing followers to track the longhorn’s accuracy.

Buddy’s track record has been notably strong, with only a single incorrect prediction during the tournament. This miss occurred when France triumphed over Morocco, an outcome that went against Buddy’s choice. Despite this, the longhorn’s poise remained unshaken, continuing to engage audiences with reliable picks that have added a local flavor to the global event.

The presence of Buddy as a predictor evokes memories of past sporting oracles, such as Paul the Octopus during the 2010 World Cup, but with a Texan twist befitting Dallas. The city’s role as a World Cup host, particularly with a semifinal match held at Dallas Stadium, has inspired a homegrown symbol of sports forecasting that ties the community’s cultural landmarks and spirit to an international stage.

Fuel City itself is more than just the backdrop for Buddy’s predictions. Known as Texas’ top destination station, it boasts seven locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is celebrated for its street tacos, an attraction recognized by Texas Monthly for culinary excellence. The facility also features longhorns on its grounds and offers panoramic views of the Dallas skyline, which has been honored by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice poll.

The culmination of Buddy’s predictive journey will be marked by an event hosted at Fuel City Riverfront on the evening of July 16. This gathering embraces a festive, rustic atmosphere with hay bales, a live DJ, a menu featuring street tacos, and a mocktail bar showcasing Drizz beverages. The event aims to bring together journalists, content creators, and visiting soccer enthusiasts in a unique celebration blending sport, local culture, and community engagement.

Drizz, the Dallas-based beverage enhancer company behind the initiative, has played a pivotal role in making Buddy’s predictions a social media phenomenon. Known for its zero-sugar energy and mixer drops, Drizz has gained recognition for innovation within the beverage industry, including accolades from Walmart and prominent industry competitions. The company’s founder, Rodrigo Ricaud, has emphasized the significance of creating a Dallas-specific oracle to mirror the city’s pride as a World Cup host and cultural crossroads.

With a scheduled final pick at precisely 7:30 PM during the barn-themed event, Buddy’s selection will be broadcast live, providing an interactive conclusion to this local tradition. Attendance is free but requires RSVP approval, underscoring the community-oriented nature of the occasion and its media focus.

While Buddy’s role as a predictor is symbolic and intended for entertainment, the engagement it has fostered highlights Dallas’ vibrant connection to the global soccer event and reflects a creative approach to sports fandom. The integration of local businesses, cultural references, and modern social media outreach underscores a dynamic way cities can participate in worldwide happenings.

Details regarding the exact methodology beyond the symbolic bucket selection, as well as the full extent of Buddy's impact on local sports culture, remain limited. However, the event stands as a testament to Dallas’ inventive spirit during a summer where the city played host on the world’s athletic stage.