The financial contribution has a clear and noble purpose: to ensure food, veterinary care, medication, vaccinations and overall well-being for the cats already under the institute’s care, as well as funding first aid for new rescues carried out by Instituto Caramelo during this period.
The initiative represents the brand’s definitive response to the popular theory that Brazil has been “jinxed” since the episode involving a cat during a press conference at the 2022 World Cup.
From meme to social impact
The “Anti-Jinx Movement” began playfully in December 2025, with the launch of the Anti-Jinx Letter and the appearance of cats in the CazéTV studio during the World Cup group draw. Now, the campaign evolves from entertainment to real social impact.
“The Brazilian internet decided that the national team’s ‘jinx’ came from that episode with the cat in Qatar. We listened to the fans and decided that the best way to break this supposed curse is by doing good for those who truly matter. If taking care of cats brings luck, then the sixth title is much closer. Betnacional wants to be a brand that entertains, but also leaves a positive legacy,” said Álvaro Garcia, CMO of Betnacional.
Essential support
Instituto Caramelo, a national reference in animal rescue and rehabilitation, sees the support as a crucial boost at the start of such a symbolic year.
“Maintaining a quality shelter structure, with proper food and healthcare, is our biggest daily challenge. Receiving this support from Betnacional ensures our kittens will have a calm and safe 2026 while they wait for responsible adoption. If it depends on these cats’ gratitude, Brazil’s luck at the World Cup is already guaranteed,” celebrated Yohanna Perlman, Executive Director of Instituto Caramelo.
With the donation completed and peace made with the feline universe, Betnacional increases the chances of lifting the “jinx” from the national team and now turns its focus to preparing fans to support Brazil in its pursuit of another world title.
Betnacional
Betnacional, a sports betting platform that is part of Flutter Brazil, has been authorized to operate fixed-odds betting in the country since January 2025, under SPA/MF Ordinance No. 2,092/24. Reinforcing its positioning as “the bet of Brazilians,” the brand has invested heavily in promoting national culture.
It sponsors some of Brazil’s biggest events and shows, including Big Brother Brasil 2025, Rio Open, Lollapalooza, Lauana Prado’s Raiz tour, and the traditional Salvador Carnival, among others. Betnacional also features high-profile ambassadors such as football star Vini Jr., singer Nathanzinho, and iconic sports journalist Galvão Bueno, a reference in Brazilian sports commentary.
The brand has a strong presence in sports, with high visibility in stadiums and advertising placements across multiple championships through BRAX.
In addition, Betnacional is an official sponsor of Futebol 2025 on Rede Globo, the main sponsor of Sport Club do Recife, the Rio Marathon 2025, and will partner with CazéTV for the broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Betnacional supports the sustainable growth of Brazil’s betting sector and reinforces its commitment to Responsible Gaming through a solid partnership with the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR).
Instituto Caramelo
A national reference in the rescue and rehabilitation of animals subjected to abandonment and abuse, Instituto Caramelo is a non-profit organization founded in February 2015 to give a voice to those who cannot speak.
With a 24-hour veterinary hospital, it cares for more than 300 animals and provides free spay/neuter services, emergency interventions and continuous care until all animals are ready for responsible adoption.
Source: GMB
