This Week in the World Scavenger Hunt Tasks - 26 June 2026
The world has been busy this week. Snap a pub television showing a replay of Japan's World Cup 2026 match against Sweden this week, Spot a fan wearing a Japan national football shirt in a public place, and more are just two of the stories behind these 20 scavenger hunt challenges.
Each task is tied to a real story, trend, or cultural moment from this week. Grab your phone, head outside, and see how many you can tick off.
This Week's Tasks
1. Snap a pub television showing a replay of Japan's World Cup 2026 match against Sweden this week.
* Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden and progressed to the knockout stage, a result widely covered in UK sports broadcasts.
2. Spot a fan wearing a Japan national football shirt in a public place.
* Japan's World Cup progress has increased visibility of their team merchandise in UK high streets this week.
3. Locate a chalkboard outside a pub advertising 'World Cup 2026: All matches shown here' with times for this week's knockout fixtures.
* Pubs across the UK are promoting World Cup 2026 screenings following the group stage conclusion.
4. Photograph a bottle of chilled water being sold with a sign 'Heatwave special – keep cool'.
* The European heatwave, described as the worst ever and impossible without climate change, is affecting the UK this week, prompting retailers to promote hydration.
5. Find a physical notice at a London venue stating 'Event cancelled due to extreme heat'.
* A London climate change adaptation event was itself cancelled because of the ongoing heatwave this week.
6. Capture a petrol station price sign that has been updated this week, referencing Middle East tensions.
* Talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing Iran tensions have put pressure on global oil prices, likely affecting UK forecourt prices.
7. Spot a newspaper front page at a newsagent with the headline 'Heatwave impossible without climate change' or similar attribution.
* Scientists confirmed this week that Europe's extreme heatwave is 'virtually impossible' without the climate crisis, a story dominating UK front pages.
8. Find a display of electric fans or portable air coolers in a shop window with a sign 'Beat the heat'.
* Retailers are capitalising on the record-breaking heatwave by promoting cooling products this week.
9. Observe a public water refill station set up by a local council in a park or town centre.
* Councils are responding to the extreme heat by providing free water stations for the public this week.
10. Visit a library or community centre that has announced 'cool room' hours this week.
* During the heatwave, many public buildings are opening as cooling centres, as reported in local news.
11. Photograph a charity collection box or poster for refugee support referencing the US Supreme Court ruling on Haitians and Syrians.
* The Supreme Court allowed Trump to end protected status for Haitians and Syrians, a story covered by UK media and likely prompting solidarity actions.
12. Spot a climate activist's poster in a window that says 'Total must account for total emissions'.
* A French court ruled that fossil fuel firm Total must account for its total emissions, a story that has inspired climate campaigners in the UK.
13. Find a weather forecast sign on a bus stop or electronic board showing the current temperature in the 30s Celsius.
* The UK is experiencing an extreme heatwave this week, with temperatures widely reported as record-breaking.
14. Notice a news ticker on a building or digital billboard mentioning 'Strait of Hormuz' or 'Iran war'.
* Tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran war developments are dominating international headlines this week.
15. Snap a delivery van for a fossil fuel company (e.g., Total) that has a 'climate accountability now' sticker or graffiti.
* The French court ruling against Total this week has focused attention on oil companies' climate responsibilities, likely sparking activist tagging.
16. Detect a sign outside the US Embassy in London referencing the Iran war or the Strait of Hormuz reopening talks.
* The US is engaged in negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the embassy may have related public notices or protests nearby.
17. Spot a World Cup 2026 merchandise stall or pop-up selling team scarves or flags (e.g., Japan, Sweden, USA) in a shopping centre.
* With the World Cup in full swing, temporary stalls are appearing across UK retail areas.
18. Find a travel agency window advert promoting 'World Cup 2026 packages to USA/Canada/Mexico'.
* The World Cup is drawing UK fans to travel agencies, with special packages on offer this week.
19. Capture a public art installation or sculpture that comments on climate change, newly installed this week.
* The extreme heatwave has prompted some councils or artists to erect temporary climate awareness pieces.
20. Notice a coffee shop with a special 'cool down' drink menu or sign referencing the heatwave.
* Cafes across the UK are adapting to the heatwave with iced drinks and cooling specials this week.
How to Play
These tasks are designed for BucketRace, the UK's favourite scavenger hunt platform. You can play solo or in teams, and each task is meant to be completed in the real world. Snap a photo as proof, share it with your group, and see who can complete the most.
New tasks are published every week based on what is actually happening in the UK, so no two weeks are ever the same. Follow us for next week's challenges.