Panama, Thomas Christiansen, Felipe Baloy
10 June 2026

Panama fans are approaching their second World Cup with stronger belief than their 2018 debut. After scoring their first tournament goal in Russia, supporters now want the country’s first point, first win and possibly a knockout push.

Thomas Christiansen has built a tougher side after recent Gold Cup, Nations League and Copa America progress. Panama face England, Ghana and Croatia in Group L, while fans point to Mexico and the United States as sharpened rivals.

Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, England
10 June 2026

Thomas Tuchel’s first World Cup with England is being framed against Gareth Southgate’s long shadow. The squad still carries much of Southgate’s spine, but Tuchel has presented himself as a sharper, football-first head coach with a clearer performance brief.

The Athletic argues Tuchel has less emotional baggage around the England role, allowing him to focus mainly on performance. Southgate rebuilt the national team’s standing, while Tuchel is judged more directly on rhythm, intensity and winning a second star.

Croatia, Luka Modric, Croatian supporters
10 June 2026

Croatia supporters are bringing strong belief into another World Cup despite the country’s small population and changing squad profile. After second and third place finishes in 2018 and 2022, fans still expect Croatia to compete with heavyweights.

The Athletic’s feature focused on Uvijek Vjerni, the Always Faithful identity that unites club rivals, diaspora groups and home supporters. Croatia’s group matches in Arlington, Toronto and Philadelphia are expected to draw loud, organised support.

DR Congo, Lumumba Vea, Sebastien Desabre
10 June 2026

DR Congo fans are preparing for their first World Cup since 1974 with the fimbu celebration as a symbol of pride and intensity. The team qualified after playoff wins over Nigeria and Jamaica, ending decades of near misses.

The fan culture blends music, politics, diaspora support and national resilience, with travel barriers making overseas communities especially important. Sebastien Desabre’s squad, led by players based abroad, hopes to turn emotional momentum into a credible group-stage fight.

Uzbekistan, Azambek Komilov, Islom Yusupov
10 June 2026

Uzbekistan are preparing for their first World Cup after years of painful near misses in qualifying. Fans see the breakthrough as overdue, backed by rising youth success, heavier state investment and a clearer football direction.

The Athletic’s feature highlighted Forward Uzbekistan as both a chant and a national message. New facilities, stronger academies and loud ultras have raised belief, while matches in Mexico City, Houston and Atlanta will showcase the team’s progress.

Texas Attorney General, FIFA, Ken Paxton
10 June 2026

The Texas Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation into FIFA’s World Cup ticket sales after complaints about seat-location changes for matches in Dallas and Houston. Ken Paxton said fans may have been misled during purchases.

The probe follows similar action in California, New York and New Jersey over FIFA ticketing practices, seat categories and high prices. Dynamic pricing has drawn heavy criticism, with prosecutors seeking information on how tickets were marketed and assigned.

Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Martinez
10 June 2026

Portugal supporters are entering the World Cup with noisy backing but measured expectations. The country’s trophy wins since Euro 2016 changed outside perceptions, yet many fans remain cautious about Roberto Martinez, Cristiano Ronaldo’s role and tournament pressure.

The Athletic’s fan feature described Forca Portugal as resilience rather than entitlement. Supporters still debate whether Ronaldo should start, while others question how Martinez can unlock a deep squad built around Vitinha, Joao Neves and attacking options.

Omar Artan, FIFA, Andrew Giuliani
10 June 2026

A United States official said World Cup referee Omar Artan was denied entry because of alleged association with suspected members of terror organisations. Artan, who had a valid visa, was sent back after questioning at Miami International Airport.

The case has created fresh concern around travel restrictions before the World Cup, especially for officials, fans and teams from affected countries. FIFA said it was informed by United States authorities and that Artan’s status would not change.

Ghana, Carlos Queiroz, GFA
10 June 2026

Ghana supporters are trying to reconnect with the national team after years of corruption fallout, poor tournament runs and lost trust. The Black Stars qualified for the World Cup but remain in transition under veteran coach Carlos Queiroz.

The Athletic’s feature traced Ghana’s bring back the love campaign, fan frustration and hopes for unity. Group L fixtures against Panama, England and Croatia will test whether a patched-up squad can finally reward loyal supporters.

Colombia, Nestor Lorenzo, Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez
10 June 2026

Colombia enter the World Cup with rising belief after a strong Copa America run and improved qualifying form. Supporters see the squad as talented enough to challenge, but still worry the team’s biggest obstacle is its own mentality.

The Athletic’s feature highlighted Colombia’s loud fan culture, yellow-shirted travelling support and renewed rivalry with Argentina. Fans believe Nestor Lorenzo’s side has attacking quality, but must handle pressure better than past generations that fell short.