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Jun 30, 2026

Who are you supporting in the World Cup?

Are you watching the World Cup? I am very sad to see Japan knocked out today, but so proud of Samurai Blue for doing so well. I was supporting them, naturally. I am also supporting Cape Verde for several different reasons, one of which is that there is an Irish player on the team! But with their next match against Argentina...one can dream! Who are you supporting in this World Cup? And / or who would you like to see win it?

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BigfamJapan

BigfamJapan

Former nickname was "Saitama". Changed it to save confusion on place review posts! Irish, 20+ years in Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com

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16 Answers

Best Answer

  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Jun 30

    Aside from Australia (and Japan until they were eliminated), I also have a soft spot for Cape Verde. I think the underdog stories are some of the nicest and most heartwarming elements of any large-scale sporting event! Was also surprised to see Paraguay beat Germany today!

    1
  • BigfamJapan

    BigfamJapan

    on Jun 30

    @genkidesu I hadn't heard that yet about Germany :O That is a huge surprise. Goes to show, anything can happen. And like you another reason I am supporting Cape Verde is also because of the "underdog" element. Another is the goalie, what a legend and what a story he has too. I am supporting Australia and England too, because I have family in both countries! But, after beating Japan, I think would like to see Brazil win (if Cape Verde are eliminated). Sorry! m(_ _)m

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  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Jun 30

    @BigfamJapan The Germany Paraguay match came down to penalties, so it was a bit of a nail biter! Brazil would be a worthy victor, Australia has Egypt next (early hours of Saturday morning) so we will see how things go!

    1
  • TonetoEdo

    TonetoEdo

    on Jul 1

    Following football isn't that big a deal for me, but I was happy to cheer on Japan. My home country, Canada, is still in the league. It's a conversation-starter with my Japanese colleagues. Canadians are a tiny segment of the foreign resident community in Japan, and I field questions about culture and history. It's great how sport gets people talking!

    1
  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Jul 1

    @TonetoEdo I also love how it shows friendship between countries and fans. I think there's definitely a lot of lovely stories that come from the event, like the Mexico-Korea fan friendship: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/17/nx-s1-5835229/mexico-south-korea-world-cup-fans-coreano-hermano

    1
  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Jul 4

    Australia is now officially out, we lost to Egypt this morning on penalties :(

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  • BigfamJapan

    BigfamJapan

    on Jul 4

    @genkidesu sorry to see they were knocked out, especially on penalties. And Cabo Verde were so close too :(

    0
  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Jul 4

    @BigfamJapan yes, I really thought they were in with a solid chance but they have a lot to be proud of!

    1
  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Jul 6

    Norway has beaten Brazil, so they might be my new team to cheer on!

    1
  • achmadz

    achmadz

    on Jul 13

    @genkidesu England has beaten Norway, so my last hope is France!

    1
  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Jul 13

    @achmadz I'm struggling to pick a team now! I was on board the Norway/Haaland bandwagon so now I have to fully reassess!

    2
  • BigfamJapan

    BigfamJapan

    on Jul 13

    @genkidesu I had to give it due thought - I'm going to go with Spain! I visited Spain every summer as a child / teenager, it was a second home until Japan ...I guess it's a third home now! Even if I haven't been in ten years!

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  • BigfamJapan

    BigfamJapan

    on Jul 13

    @achmadz I've gone with Spain instead of France - but don't tell my British nieces and brother-in-law!!!

    1
  • achmadz

    achmadz

    on Jul 15

    @genkidesu @BigfamJapan Really sad France lost.. so now I'm confused about which country to support next

    1
  • BigfamJapan

    BigfamJapan

    on Jul 15

    @achmadz SPAIN!! I am sorry to see Mbappe go, but he's young, he'll be back and get his 'shot' again!

    1
  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Jul 15

    @BigfamJapan it's Spain in our household now too, let's see how they perform in the final!

    1

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