The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts on Thursday, and 48 nations will compete for the biggest prize on the planet. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter who has been counting down the days since the last whistle in Qatar 2022, or just a casual fan who knows there’s a World Cup every four years, there’s never a bad moment to find a team to call your own.

With the competition expanding to a historic 48-team format for the first time, the World Cup is bigger than ever, and that means there’s room for the tournament to be louder, messier, and more unpredictable than ever. The storylines are unique among the squads and yet there are comment threads as well. 

A tiny Caribbean island, a central asian nation, and a European country can each have a debutant title, while also having their own special reasons to cheer them on. Somewhere across these sprawling rosters is a team waiting for you to claim them in case you need a squad to follow along. From cool kits to standout players to random mascots, you can make a team your own if you try hard enough.

We found 48 reasons, one for every team in the draw, to make sure you don’t miss out on a single opportunity to yell loudly for them.

Here’s one reason why you should root for each of the 48 teams in the 2026 World Cup:

Algeria

If you’re looking for something entertaining with your underdog pick, then Mohamed Amoura has the aura for Algeria’s Les Fennecs.

Argentina

It’s likely Lionel Messi’s last tango at a World Cup, and this time Argentina will be the title holders instead of World Cup chasers.

Australia

They’re called the Socceroos, and you should try to say it with a straight face throughout the entire tournament as you root them on.

Austria

The home of Mozart is now composing a midfield orchestra with Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer, and the nation is back for their first World Cup appearance in nearly 30 years.

Belgium

With a roster that will hopefully blend its golden generation with its next generation, rooting for the Red Devils could be a fun choice for folks looking for a dark horse.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

If you love coffee, then this is the team for you. They have an unofficial mascot following them around the tournament —  the official largest coffee pot in the world.

Brazil

Nothing wrong with rooting for the country with the most World Cup trophies, with one of the most electrifying fan bases squads, the latter led by Vinícius Júnior.

Canada

One of the three co-hosts of the tournament looking for that home-crowd bump and to show they’re just as big a soccer nation as they are a hockey nation.

Cabo Verde

If you like Cinderella stories, it could be fun to rally behind the West African island, with the Blue Sharks set to make their first-ever World Cup appearance.

Colombia

Always a fun and vibrant option, with passionate fans that include World Cup anthem queen Shakira, and thrilling players Luis Diaz and Jhon Duran.

Croatia

A national team that is no stranger to making later knockout rounds and iconic checkered kits? Sign right up to cheer for Croatia.

Curacao

The smallest nation to ever make a World Cup, fans might want to ride the blue wave with Curacao, which will make their first World Cup appearance.

Czechia

Are you a fan of the unexpected long-distance banger? Then root for Czechia and Patrik Schick‘s ability to let it rip from the halfway point.

DR Congo

After a 50-year absence, DR Congo are back in the World Cup, and if you love a comeback story, then this is the team for you.

Ecuador

This team always figures out how to punch above their weight, and it’s easy to root for Moises Caicedo to tackle nearly everything that moves on the pitch.

Egypt

This could finally be the World Cup where Mo Salah shines, so make sure you’re there to watch him pen another chapter with the Pharaohs. 

England

Harry Kane is on the squad; he’s the captain and is in outrageous form heading into the tournament and could win the next Ballon d’Or.

France

Winners in 2018, France made the last two World Cup finals, and they have a roster that’s scary good on paper, with one of the biggest stars, Kylian Mbappe, who can change the game in a second. 

Germany

If you love dynasties, Germany has won the tournament four times, and after some retooling over the years, the program looks like a well-oiled machine heading into the summer.

Ghana

The Black Stars have the flair to flash on the pitch, with players Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, and an excellent away kit to match the energy.

Haiti

Back in the tournament for the first time since 1974, Haiti are carrying the joy of an entire nation with them, and they have a lethal striker with one of the best names in the game, Duckens Nazon.

Iran

For those who understand that sports and politics are historically linked, Team Melli are a defiant side led by long-time captain Mehdi Taremi, with an effective counter-attack.

Iraq

For those looking for a team to root for with something to prove, the Lions of Mesopotamia are here for you and hopeful to roar once more as they return to the tournament for the first time since 1986.

Ivory Coast

Big fan of large animals? Well, Les Éléphants are back in the tournament after rebuilding over the last decade, and just a few years removed from their 2023 AFCON win.

Japan

One of the most tactical and disciplined teams in the tournament, they also have one of the most loyal fanbases, who even take the time to clean the stadiums after matches.

Jordan

Another first-time World Cup participant, Jordan will aim to defy expectations and are capable of pulling off upsets with winger Mousa Al-Tamari in the attack.

Mexico

Co-hosts of the tournament, Mexico are the only nation to host a World Cup three times. An in-form team, a fun fan culture with good food, there are too many reasons to root for Mexico to list.

Morocco

If you love breaking hearts, then Morocco are the team to root for. They ended World Cup dreams in 2022 all the way to the semifinals, and Youssef En-Nesyri has hops for days.

Netherlands

You can’t miss the Dutch in their bright orange uniforms and Total Football, which can look like a Rembrandt painting come to life.

New Zealand

The All Whites are considered longer than long shots in this tournament, but they are a tough-as-nails squad that will make games uncomfortable for others in their group.

Norway

Looking for a team that has the Terminator, but if he were a footballing striker? Well, it’s the perfect team for you then, with Erling Haaland on the pitch.

Panama

A nation that connects two oceans with its canal has the honor of being the only Central American team in the tournament.

Paraguay 

Do you love draws or nail-biting one-score wins and losses with tough defense? Then rooting for Paraguay might be the answer for you.

Portugal

It’ll likely be Cristiano Ronaldo‘s final World Cup, but rooting for Portugal is also a way to celebrate their current generation of stars and to keep remembering Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away last year at 28.

Qatar

If you’re someone who believes in turning around skepticism, then root for the 2022 hosts, who are on a quest to show their second consecutive appearance is no fluke.

Saudi Arabia

If you like the stress of a late managerial change and the prospect of surprises, then root for Saudi Arabia — they’re no strangers to delivering a big upset as they did against Argentina in 2022.

Scotland

Big fan of tartan pattern textiles and bagpipes? Then get ready to cheer for Scotland to see if they can actually push themselves beyond a group stage round.

Senegal

Into the best continental team? Then look no further than the “AFCON champions,” and cheer for what could be the final World Cup for legend Sadio Mane. Well, some think they won it.

South Africa

If the sound of vuvuzelas captured your heart back in 2010, then get ready to welcome them back because South Africa has returned to the World Cup.

South Korea

Hard to root against a nation that gave us BTS and inspired K-Pop Demon Hunters, so cheer for Son Heung-Min and Lee Kang-In to help South Korea get out of their group.

Spain

If you’re looking for a team that passes the ball around as if they’re passing around tapas, then cheer for Spain. One of the favorites and reigning Euro champs.

Sweden

Fans of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde will love this team because you’re never quite sure what version of them you’re going to get. 

Switzerland

About as neutral as the nation’s reputation, Switzerland keep surprising World Cup audiences, consistently exceeding expectations and advancing out of the group stages.

Turkiye

Looking for a set-piece specialist? Then look no further than Turkiye‘s captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu and his ability on free kicks. 

Tunisia

Top three among the most experienced African nations in the World Cup; if you like stingy defense, then root for the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.

United States

The leading hosts of the tournament, with the most markets and games, the United States modern generation wants to show they’re better than their 2022 round of 16 exit, and they’ll get friendly crowds to prove it.

Uruguay

If you enjoy disproportionate soccer history, then root for Uruguay. Two World Cup titles, both in the previous century, but that hasn’t stopped them from being one of the most competitive teams in South America.

Uzbekistan

Another debutant team that is about to take their first steps on the world’s biggest stage. No heavy expectations, and just good vibes and fun, especially if they can pull off just one surprise result in their group.

Haiti have been forced to change their kit design just days before their World Cup opener against Scotland after their shirt, depicting a war scene, failed to comply with Fifa rules.

An illustration of the Battle of Vertieres in 1803, which secured Haiti’s independence, with the country’s flag had been embedded on the shirts worn in both of their pre-tournament friendlies.

However, equipment regulations set out by the world governing body prohibits the use of any “political, religious, or personal messages or slogans” on kit.

In a statement, Colombian manufacturer Saeta said its original design “was a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti’s future” and “was not intended as a political statement”.

It added: “Fifa determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications to the design.

“While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by Fifa.”

Haiti begin their first World Cup campaign in 52 years against Scotland at Boston Stadium, Foxborough on Saturday evening (Sunday 02:00 BST).

The Caribbean country then face five-time winners Brazil and Morocco in Group C.

In their only previous World Cup appearance in 1974, Haiti lost all three group games and conceded 14 goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a forgettable outing for Portugal in the team’s final FIFA World Cup warm-up match against Nigeria. The Portugal captain, leading the attack for his national team in his historic sixth World Cup, missed several sitters against the African side. Although Portugal went on to beat Nigeria 2-1 despite Ronaldo‘s disappointing performance, the veteran striker’s possible decline in form has raised eyebrows. With Portugal set to begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in Group K against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 17, many are wondering if he is still the right man to lead the attack for the Euro 2016 champions.

Ronaldo, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, is the record goalscorer in international football with 143 strikes to his name. Yet, he failed to add to his tally during the warm-up match, despite being served multiple golden opportunities on a platter by his teammates.

The 41-year-old was eventually substituted in the 65th minute by manager Roberto Martinez. Despite his early exit, Ronaldo still spent more time on the pitch than any of his outfield teammates who started the game.

They did everything, put it right on a plate for Cristiano, and he still blasts it into the stands. pic.twitter.com/gFnMeL2RGE

— MC (@CrewsMat10) June 10, 2026

| CRISTIANO RONALDO MISSES A BIG CHANCE!!! pic.twitter.com/fn3I7kVcCp

— FUTBOL HUB (@futbol_hubX) June 10, 2026

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Even some of the touches Ronaldo had shocked spectators. The man who scored 28 goals in 30 games for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League looked like an amateur footballer at times. The coming games would prove if Ronaldo indeed has what it takes to deliver for Portugal at this level, at the age of 41. 

It was Pedro Neto who opened the scoring for Portugal, finding the back of the net in the 23rd minute. Akor Adams later equalised for Nigeria in the 14th minute of the second half. However, Francisco Conceicao, who came on as a second-half substitute for Portugal, scored the winner in the 75th minute, not long after Ronaldo had been taken off.

In the upcoming World Cup, Portugal is placed in Group K and will take on the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their opener, before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia. Portugal will begin their campaign in Texas, United States. Nigeria, meanwhile, will not be participating in this World Cup, having failed to qualify.

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Arsenal keen to sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, Juventus open talks with Aston Villa over deal for keeper Emiliano Martinez, while Paris St-Germain target Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise.

Arsenal remain firmly in the hunt to sign Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United also interested in the 23-year-old. (Teamtalk), external

Juventus are in talks with Aston Villa to sign their Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 33, who has already agreed personal terms. (Corriere dello Sport – in Italian), external

Paris St-Germain will to try to sign Bayern Munich’s 24-year-old French forward Michael Olise this summer. (L’Equipe – in French), external

Manchester United are monitoring Everton‘s 26-year-old Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye as they look to bolster their squad for a Champions League return next season (Sky Sports), external

Liverpool are prepared to let Italy forward Federico Chiesa, 28, leave this summer for around £17m, with the player keen on a move back to Serie A. (Caughtoffside), external

Barcelona are aware of interest from Chelsea and Arsenal in Spain winger Dani Olmo, but will only allow the 28-year-old to leave if their £60m valuation is met. (Fichajes – in Spanish), external

France forward Mathys Tel, 21, could make a shock switch from Tottenham to Bournemouth this summer. (Teamtalk), external.

Barcelona intend to sell Spain midfielder Marc Casado to raise money for other signings, with Bayer Leverkusen and Premier League clubs tracking the 22-year-old. (Fichajes – in Spanish), external

Leeds United want to break their transfer record to sign Ivory Coast defender Ousmane Diomande from Sporting, with an offer of up to £35m and another £8m in add-ons. (Mirror), external

Crystal Palace are preparing to rival Everton for Middlesbrough’s English midfielder Hayden Hackney, 23, this summer with a £20m offer. (Mail), external

Shortly after the New York Knicks’ Game 3 defeat in the NBA Finals, Mike Brown turned his attention to the officiating.

“I talked to [the officials]. They outshot us 14-3 in the third quarter from the free throw line. I talked to them, and they said, well, this is a foul, this is a foul,” Brown told reporters after the San Antonio Spurs trimmed the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. “That’s the question I had with them is, you’re right. Maybe we did foul. But they fouled, too.”

Karl-Anthony Towns, one of the catalysts behind New York’s postseason success, struck a different tone ahead of Game 4.

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New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown observes the game during the NBA Finals in Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

“Naw, that ain’t cost us the game,” Towns told reporters when asked about Brown’s comments. “Turned the ball over. Didn’t execute. Didn’t do what got us 13 straight wins in a row. That’s how you lose a game. We didn’t do what we’ve been doing for 13. We decided to do something different. … And throwing the ball away is a clear indication of how you’re going to lose the game, especially in the playoffs.”

The box score seemed to underscore Brown’s primary complaint, as the Spurs attempted three times as many free throws as the Knicks in the second half of Monday’s 115-111 victory.

BARRING GARBAGE OFFICIATING, THE KNICKS WILL GET REVENGE OVER THE SPURS IN GAME 4 OF THE 2026 NBA FINALS

The Knicks were in the penalty for the majority of the fourth quarter. A cold-shooting second half saw New York connect on 36% of its field-goal attempts.

Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks defends Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter of Game 3 in the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 8, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

While it remains to be seen whether officiating will play a role in Wednesday night’s game at Madison Square Garden, Brown appeared intent on making it part of the buildup to Game 4.

“It’s going to be that because I said it. The story is going to be there,” Brown continued during a news conference. “But there are some controllables that we did not do a good job of doing. We allowed them to hit first at the beginning of the game. We allowed them to hit first in the beginning of the second half.”

Mike Brown talks with the New York Knicks during a timeout in the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 8, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

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Towns finished Game 3 with 11 points and eight rebounds, a noticeable drop from his team-high 21-point performance in New York’s Game 2 victory over the Spurs. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks in scoring Monday with 32 points.

Game 4 tips off at 8:30 p.m. EDT, with the series returning to San Antonio for Game 5 on Saturday.

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San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama avoided adding a third flagrant point to his postseason total. Under NBA policy, players are automatically subject to suspension once they receive four flagrant foul points.

Wembanyama made contact with Jalen Brunson’s upper body while the New York Knicks guard was attempting to set a screen in the first quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday. When the Spurs center turned around during the play, he pushed Brunson, who fell backward to the floor.

Referees did not blow the whistle for a foul on the play, despite forceful objections from the Knicks bench. ESPN reported Tuesday, citing sources, that Wembanyama would not retroactively be assessed a “flagrant upgrade on the uncalled foul.”

The play sparked debate across the sports world, and President Donald Trump, who attended Monday’s game, was among those weighing in.

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President Donald Trump watches the start of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 8, 2026. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

“I thought it was a very bad call. Absolutely. I thought it was a very bad call, personally. But I’m not the ref, you know?” Trump told the New York Post on Wednesday.

Trump watched the Knicks’ first NBA Finals game in 27 years from a suite with his granddaughter Kai Trump and was seen sitting next to team owner James Dolan. Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game.

VICTOR WEMBANYAMA PUTS HAND ON JALEN BRUNSON’S HEAD, PUSHES HIM DOWN AS REFS LOOK THE OTHER WAY IN GAME 3

The Spurs outlasted New York 115-111 in Game 3, trimming the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1 entering Wednesday’s Game 4.

Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks works against Dylan Harper and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter in Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 8, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

“Look, they’re pretty evenly matched, right? It’s two great teams. I’ll tell you, that Brunson is some player,” Trump added. “I think Brunson is amazing, [Stephon] Castle [of the Spurs] is amazing, Wemby is amazing, [Karl-Anthony] Towns [of the Knicks] is amazing. They’re like great players. That’s why they’re there, right?”

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson reacts as San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama looks on during the second quarter of game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 8, 2026. (Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images)

A New York native, Trump regularly sat courtside alongside other celebrities over the years before entering politics. “If you grow up in New York, you’re a Knick fan,” he noted.

Taylor Swift, who is engaged to NFL star Travis Kelce, headlined Wednesday’s star-studded celebrity row at Madison Square Garden.

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The Spurs came out hot for the second consecutive game Wednesday, racing to a 41-22 lead by the end of the first quarter. Wembanyama paced San Antonio with 13 points in the opening period, while OG Anunoby led New York with seven.

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The Brazilian star still has an important role to play in his final weeks as a Manchester United player

Casemiro only has 20 days left to run on his Manchester United contract before he is officially considered a free agent. But the Brazil international can still play an important role in their future and, more specifically, his impending replacement, Ederson, over the next five weeks.

The 34-year-old announced his farewell in March after the club decided not to offer him a renewal on his contract, and head coach Michael Carrick has wasted no time in finding his successor. United reached an agreement with Atalanta to sign 26-year-old midfielder Ederson for £35million, with £4m in potential add-ons, with the deal only waiting for an official announcement before it is completed.

Ederson was busy planning for his new life in Manchester before he was drafted into Brazil’s World Cup squad at the eleventh hour last week. Selecao coach Carlo Ancelotti called up the central midfielder after full-back Wesley was ruled out with injury, giving Ederson the chance to link up with his new team-mates Matheus Cunha and Casemiro in the United States.

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The latter has endured a turbulent time at Old Trafford but ultimately finished on a high, bagging a career-high nine league goals as the Reds secured third place in the Premier League. He has been one of their most impressive performers in the 2025/26 season, but there was a mutual acknowledgement that his four-year spell at the club had come to end after signing from Real Madrid in 2022.

Despite some difficult moments, Casemiro has savoured his positive relationship with the United faithful when reflecting on his time at the club. Ederson’s inclusion in the Brazil squad means he and Cunha can be his confidants in the Brazil camp, imparting any wisdom or advice he has to help him settle into his new home.

“All I can do is be grateful, because I am really enjoying myself a lot. Not just me, but all my family. It is an honour for us to listen to the fans’ love and affection,” he said in April after his exit was announced.

“Lots of people think it is just the last few months, since the announcement, but I have to be thankful, since the very first day that I arrived here, the fans have been amazing with me and my family. So, I am so grateful to the fans, and the United fans, I am going to remember for the rest of my life.”

The main difference between life with Atalanta in the Serie A and playing for a global club like United is the pressure that comes with it. Casemiro was no stranger to that, having played for Real Madrid where the demands for strong performances are exceedingly high, particularly in the Spanish press.

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But at United, the atmosphere around the club is entirely different. The stinging criticism from club icons who now work as pundits, chiefly when Gary Neville narrowed in on his performances, can be difficult to shake off. Every pass, move and mistake will be under the spotlight when Ederson pulls on that red shirt for the first time.

Casemiro can provide some coping mechanisms for his compatriot when the going gets tough. But the biggest takeaway he can pass on is that hard work and discipline go a long way in the eyes of a United supporter. The early comparisons that suggested he was an overpaid flop have dissipated over time; on his way out, he is recognised as a midfield stalwart who left his mark in M16.

As Ederson prepares to take his spot next season, no one will have a better viewpoint on how to perform his role than the man he is replacing. And that can only be a positive thing for Carrick and United going forward as they look to build on an impressive season.

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