FIFA World Cup 2026: Dog breeds representing the nations

Boerboels were tasked with protecting remote homes from ferocious predators in South Africa.

The jindo, a medium-sized hunting dog of South Korea, comes from the island of the same name, a remote rural community off the peninsula's south coast

A Cesky terrier competes in the Terrier Group event during the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on May 9, 2023. This is the national dog of Czechia.

Weighing as heavy as 150 lbs., Newfoundland dogs (representing Canada) are strong enough to bring drowning victims back to shore.

The Saint Bernard dog of Switzerland was once the companion of monks, guiding them through the Alps or helping to rescue stranded or lost travelers in the snowy mountains.

The aidi has been a mainstay of North Africa’s Atlas Mountains for years, serving as both a flock guardian and hunting companion. It's representing Morocco on our list.

Written history shows the tornjak has existed in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the past 1,000 years, serving mainly as a shepherd dog.

According to the FCI, the fila Brasileiro was bred to hunt Brazil's large game and to keep cattle in check.

Mixed-breed street dogs known as potcakes are a common sight in several Caribbean countries, including Haiti.

A Scottish deerhound competes in the Hound Group at the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on May 8, 2023.

An American foxhound runs with his handler during the Hound group judging at the 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York, Feb. 11, 2013.

Australian cattle dogs have coats with a unique mottling or speckling pattern.

Highly praised as the national dog of Turkey, the Kangal shepherd’s steady, bold presence kept sheep corralled during the days of nomadic animal husbandry.

Rumor the German shepherd poses for photos after winning Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in 2017.

The Azawakh is a sleek, elegant hunting dog that was kept by the Tuareg and other nomadic peoples of West Africa for centuries. It's representing the Ivory Coast and Senegal on our list.

Similar to Corgis, the Swedish vallhund is long and low, making it easier to nip the heels of cattle while dodging kicks to the head.

Two keeshond dogs (Netherlands) wait to be judged at the Devon County Show on May 19, 2011 in Exeter, England.

The shiba inu is a bold, confident breed that’s been a staple of Japanese culture since ancient times.

Sloughis, known for their speed and slender physique, have for many centuries accompanied nomadic societies across North Africa, including Tunisia.

Bred specifically for its stamina, intelligence and ability to bark on command, huntaways are well equipped to herd New Zealand's sheep.

Another world class working dog, the Belgian malinois’ versatility and high motor make them highly sought as police and military K-9s.

According to the AKC, the pharaoh hound originated in ancient Egypt, although it is now most closely associated with Malta.

The galgo Español, or Spanish Greyhound, is one of the oldest breeds in Europe, with roots tracing back to ancient Iberian civilization.

Built for speed and endurance, salukis were prized for their ability to hunt in punishing desert heat, tracking and taking down gazelles across vast terrain. They're the breed representing Saudi Arabia on our list.

Descended from feral dogs that adapted to the country’s rugged interior, the cimarrón Uruguayo earned a reputation for toughness, loyalty and resilience

The Briard was reportedly favored by both Charlemagne and Napoleon, according to the AKC’s entry on this French dog.

A Central Asian Mastiff, similar in appearance to the Kurdish Mastiff (Iraq's breed for this list) and other regional breeds, such as the Sarabi (representing Iran).

A Peruvian hairless dog, closely related to the Ecuadorian hairless and sharing nearly identical pre-Columbian origins along the Andean coast.

Per the AKC, remnants of the Norwegian elkhound have been found alongside Viking remains and weapons, evidence of just how central they were to Nordic culture.

The AKC says the dogo Argentino's presence emits explosive power and energy — much like the strikers on team Argentina.

A versatile farm dog, the Austrian pinscher came onto the scene in the 1920s, as systemic breeding between German Pinschers and local dogs was prioritized.

This national dog of Portugal arrived on the Iberian Peninsula thanks to Phoenician traders circumnavigating Africa in the 700s BC: meet the Portuguese podengo.

Jordan's entry is one of the oldest breeds on this entire list, the AKC says. The Canaan dog has roamed the deserts of the Levant for thousands of years, long before modern borders were drawn.

The AKC says basenjis are contenders for the title of oldest dog breed — and their story begins in the Congo, where native hunters relied on them as trackers for thousands of years.

Another livestock protector built to take on large predators, the Central Asian shepherd dog's origins can be traced back to the era of the Silk Road, when Uzbekistan was a major hub for commerce.

An American English coonhound, closely related in appearance to the Colombian fino hound, which was only recently recognized by the FCI.

The bulldog is about as English as it gets — a national symbol that has represented British grit and tenacity for centuries.