new zealand
“Last month, New Zealand star Tim Paine had around 4,700 Instagram followers, which swelled to over 5 million in just a week when Argentinian influencer Valen Scarcini started a campaign to make the ‘least famous player at the World Cup’ famous. The campaign went viral across South America, Europe and beyond, making Payne one of the biggest social media stories of the tournament. By follower count, he was the most popular player at the tournament Payne has become one of the most followed footballers in the world with humility and has become an unexpected global football star. Russell Fisher
Nigeria
“The long-standing joke is that you can go to any country in the world and find a Nigerian. Nothing confirms this more than the World Cup. Despite Nigeria failing to make another tournament, the Super Eagles will be well represented in Mexico, Canada and the US. About 20 players from the 48 teams were eligible to play for the country. Of course, there is the England trio Doubt, Maduke, And Eze. France has Olise, Norway has Antonia Nussa and Germany has Felix Nmecha and Jamal Musiala. Austria captain David Alaba also has Nigerian roots, while Switzerland have Manuel Akanji and Noah Okafor – all proving that Nigerians really are everywhere. — Anefiok Ekpudom
norway
Only six of Norway’s starting 11 were alive the last time their country qualified for the World Cup in 1998. Qualifying alone has ended the generational drought experienced by his father (and his father’s father), but now it’s up to him to do something good with it. With an average height of six feet one inch, Norwegians are the joint tallest group.
panama
Amid a tournament full of elite young talent, Panama coach Thomas Christiansen has handed the World Cup charge to the veterans, making them the oldest team in the tournament. With an average age of 30.4 years and no players under 24 (captain Aníbal Godoy is one of the oldest players at 36), they have plenty of experience: seven of their members are two-time World Cup vets.
paraguaya
“In their farewell game before the World Cup in Asuncion a few weeks ago, they beat Nicaragua 4-0. The pre-game fireworks launched by fans were so fierce that the game was delayed for a while so the smoke could clear. A stray dog ran onto the field because it was so scared. The star player, Julio Enciso, was unfortunately dragged off in that game.” — andy jones
portugal
“According to Portugal national coach Roberto Martínez, the number six is very important for the country. Portugal won the Euro in 2016, in 1966 we finished third in the World Cup, and in 2006 we reached the World Cup semi-finals, so will 2026 bring success? Many fans believe that an episode simpsons There have been predictions since 1997 that Portugal would beat Mexico to win the 2026 World Cup in the same stadium that hosted the final, but while there is a clip of the two teams playing, the claims (around the specific year and tournament) are not true. — Gonçalo Brito Pereira
