Real Food and Coco Loca turn SPCA rescue pets into World Cup pundits

As FIFA World Cup 2026 fever sweeps across Malaysia, local brands Real Food and Coco Loca are taking a different approach to fan engagement by putting rescue animals at the centre of the conversation.

The two brands have partnered with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor to launch "Furry forecast", a campaign that sees 16 rescue cats and dogs from the shelter take on the role of football pundits. The campaign was initiated and facilitated by PR and storytelling agency GO Communications. 

Beginning from the tournament's Round of 16 stage, the animals will make match predictions by selecting their preferred teams ahead of each fixture. The forecasts will then be shared across the social media channels of the participating partners.

Beyond adding a playful twist to World Cup content, the campaign aims to shine a spotlight on the personalities of SPCA Selangor's rescue animals and encourage adoption.

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According to the partners, each prediction video is designed to help audiences connect with the animals while giving them greater visibility among potential adopters.

Christine Chin, chairman of SPCA Selangor, said the initiative offers a creative way to showcase the shelter's residents during one of the world's biggest sporting events.

"Our shelter is filled with amazing, loving animals who just want to be part of a family. Bringing them into the football fever spotlight is a brilliant way to showcase their unique characters and remind Malaysians of the joy that rescued animals bring into a home," she said.

For Real Food, the initiative aligns with its broader values around authenticity and care, according to co-founder and CEO I-lene Tan. "As a veterinarian, it's natural for me to champion a cause that supports animal welfare, so when SPCA reached out to us, it really was a no-brainer," she said.

"This campaign resonated with us immediately because it's built on the same instinct: that there's real value in what's genuine, unpretentious and often overlooked. Add football fever into the mix and it's gold," Tan added. 

Meanwhile, GO Communications CEO, Peter de Kretser said the idea was never about trendjacking or riding the football wave for visibility. Rather, it demonstrates how cultural moments can be reimagined in a way that brings together brands, communities and causes with real emotional resonance.

“In a country such as Malaysia, football naturally and instantly commands attention. But for us, the real question was, how do we tap into that excitement in a way that feels fresh and socially meaningful? ‘Furry Forecast’ emerged from that thinking. It takes a global sporting moment and channels it into something local, endearing and impactful," he said.

"More importantly, it shows what can happen when brands are willing to collaborate around a cause that people genuinely care about. At its heart, this is a campaign about connection between brands, between audiences, and hopefully between these 16 animals and the families who may choose to take them home,” said de Kretser.

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