Photos capture highs, lows and quirks of World Cup football fandom

Face paint, chants and flags — the many ways football fans celebrate the World Cup Sun 28 Jun 2026 at 2:51pm Each fandom has its peculiarities. It could be their pre-game rituals, their chants during the match or their choice of garb. Regardless, the estimated 2.85 million attendees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches so far have at least two things in common. A love of football and a fierce loyalty to their home team, riding the emotional rollercoaster powered by their fortunes on the pitch. From riding the highest of highs … … to crashing to the lowest of lows. From stadiums awash with colour … … to viewing parties across the globe … … and hitting the streets to let locals know your team has arrived. 'No Scotland, No Party' Scotland is competing in the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and the country's fans have shown up in force. Tens of thousands of them packed into Boston for the team's first two games, where local bars reported being close to running out of beer. The tartan army, who have now made their way to Miami, have taken to the streets to blast Scotland the Brave on the bagpipes, and sing renditions of unofficial football anthem No Scotland No Party. "I wasn't sure about the States hosting the World Cup but they've done us proud really," Karl Johnston, a 57-year-old civil servant from Glasgow, said. "From the police to the bar staff and the locals, it's been a really beautiful experience." Where culture is proudly on display … … and tributes are paid to the legends of the game … … and buckets upon buckets of face paint are lathered onto the brave. 'We carry it in our blood' In Mexico, 92-year-old Irene Rosell Soriano sat in her wheelchair with the Mexican flag draped across her legs. Cheering as she watched her country's national team in the World Cup opening match, she was likely the oldest football fan gathered under a bridge in the neighbourhood of Tacuba. "It had been a long time since I had been to a soccer match," she said. "And did you think I was going to miss a World Cup? No way, of course not! "That's the extent of [the love for] soccer. We carry it in our blood." Ms Soriano would be immortalised online a few days later when she became the centre of celebrations after Mexico defeated Korea. Where flags become security blankets … … for lifelong fans who show up time and time again … … and first-time fans forging lifelong memories. 'We're going to wake up the king' Norway's "rowing" celebration has taken the World Cup by storm. Sitting in rows resembling those of a Viking longboat, conducted by the beat of a drum, fans mime rowing while chanting "Ro" (pronounced "roo"). The ritual has made its way from the stadiums back to Norway, where celebrations erupted in Oslo when the country beat Senegal. With the match finishing at 4am, a large crowd marched up the city's main thoroughfare towards the royal residence, chanting "We're going to wake up the king." Upon reaching the palace square at sunrise, hundreds of fans sat on the ground to perform the "rowing" celebration. The Norwegian Royal House declined to comment on whether the King and Queen had been awoken by the festivities. From the red white and blue … … to the oranje army … … and, of course, the green and gold … The world game would be nothing without its fans. Sun 28 Jun 2026 at 2:51pm - Share options - Copy link - X (formerly Twitter)