Our latest exhibition and our Alternative Worlds Cups’ tournament we are running to coincide with FIFA’s World Cup 2026 competition. From seeding and cup draws to commentary, league tables and knockout rounds, Dorothy playfully combines football fandom and cup kitsch to create a tournament with a twist.
The tournament features 48 novelty cups in different forms from countries around the world. Unlike any of Dorothy’s previous exhibitions, World Cups takes an interactive approach by allowing the public to participate in a tournament by voting for their favourite cups which go head-to-head in daily ‘matches’.
We are asking the public to vote to keep their favourite cup in the tournament via our social media channels: @dorothy_uk on Instagram.
On the 20th of July, after the group stages and knockout rounds have finished, two remaining teams will go head-to-head to crown the triumphant winner.
Feel free to get involved with the voting polls on our stories! 😊
The Groups Break Down:
Group A
Image © Dorothy
One of the most varied groups in the competition, with Italy hoping the poll results lean in their favour, Mexico are already beginning to show cracks in the group stage. That raises an important question: will their injury concerns have an impact on their performances going forward? Albania, meanwhile, will be hoping that sticking with the traditional cup formation this year plays to their advantage, while Austria are also one to watch as a potential dark horse in the competition after all, they are the only black cup in the competition.
Group B
Image © Dorothy
The heaviest group in the competition features several strong contenders. Australia have embraced the journeyman role so far this year, proving they can adapt and compete in any situation. Jamaica, meanwhile, are known for playing with a smile, but they should not be underestimated, they have a great shot on them that may catch opponents off guard. Portugal, however, come equipped with a spoon, adding an extra dimension to their game. The unique advantages it provides could make life extremely difficult for the opposition, who may struggle to cope with the additional abilities of the Portuguese side.
Group C:
Image © Dorothy
We'll all have our eyes on the battle of the South Americans in group C! The popularity of Uruguay's Yerba Mate is sky high coming into the tournament, but could this be the final straw? Brazil certainly think that Toucan play that game! South Korea have built recognition for their unique shape and Qatar's microwavable mug is used to performing in the high temperatures the teams will be facing this tournament.
Group D:
Image © Dorothy
All eyes on France vs USA in this group. Eifel Tower vs Statue of Liberty, cream vs corn syrup, baguettes vs guns, rouge blanc et bleu vs red, white and blue. Can the US handle the pressure of a tournament on home turf? Can France withhold their long-standing history? All will be revealed. The Argentinians are as no nonsense as ever and the Turks are getting a reputation for being everywhere... it’s almost as if there's 2 of them!
Group E:
Image © Dorothy
So far Pakistan have done a great job at building momentum coming into the tournament, but the ropey handle could get them into trouble further down the line. It’s all Goa-head with India! This cup has a lot of back bone. Plain but simple, Switzerland is a car boot gem and unexpected underdog so far in the competition. Japan’s small compact unit is likely to help them get far in the competition, but worries around the delicacy have begun to circulate.
Group F:
Image © Dorothy
There’s been plenty of controversy surrounding Cape Verde heading into this tournament, but in the smallest group of them all, could we have a giant killing cup on our hands? Norway may not have the most egg-ceptional physical presence compared to Cape Verde, but they’re hoping to find a silver lining as the competition unfolds. By adopting a three-sided design, Morocco may have tilted the odds in their favour to become the stars of the group, while mug enthusiasts remain magnetised by the Budapest Cup, who are Hungary to become winners.
Group G:
Image © Dorothy
Group G is a group full of character, featuring Ecuador who aren’t rushing things and taking the slow and steady wins the race mindset this year, while Scottland are prepared to face squeaky bum time, merging tradition with some cheeky flair they can’t contain themselves, that’s sure to supporters on the edge of their seats! Ghana however don’t quite align with the modern style of mug and strip it back with a simple flag formation, will this old school style of play carry them further than more extravagant contenders. Ireland comes in as an innovative side in the cup with extra stability in the middle.
Group F:
Image © Dorothy
It can be a game of two halves for Croatia, often going missing in the second half. The Netherlands, on the other hand, look to continue their love affair with the cup. The Saudi's will be hoping to capitalise on their golden generation whilst the Egyptians are still parading their ancient past.
Group I:
Image © Dorothy
Jordan are hopeful to slip some wins into the net but will their creative formation but is playing in such an orderly fashion going to help them to cement the win? What you see is what you get with Georgia, although they have been critiqued for their gamesman ship in the competition so far. While Spain are known stringing together in hardship, so far this year they have not fretted and have been exceptional at picking out passes. Belgium maybe be the smallest cup in the group but their flair on the shelf and renowned dribbling ability make them a capable of capturing plenty of attention.
Group J:
Image © Dorothy
Group J is a group full of texture! While Czechia stands out strong in this group, with a unique feature, their pouring handle gives them the ability to balance liquids with more composure than other cups in the competition. Cuba have confidently etched themselves into the competition hoping to branch out of the group stages. Poland stands small, if their handle stays square, they might be in with a chance… Meanwhile, Bosnia & Herzegovina are hoping to bridge the gap between themselves and top contenders in the cup.
Group K:
Image © Dorothy
The big guy up front for Sweden has rival teams shaking in their boots... he's a real hazard! Elsewhere, England’s mustard cup is bringing the sauce to the competition, but how far will that get them against taller competition like Greece? They've got it all, height, class and enough handles to go around. The same can't be said about New Zealand, who've faced criticism for not being good enough for this competition. Nobody is giving them a chance!
Group L:
4 teams, 6 handles, 1 winner. Tunisia, the bookies favourite, seems to have everything: character, structure, size. But will they be able to overcome South Africa's versatility or Canada's experience? Wales have been described as class on grass, could they prove to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back?