As a Japanese supporter exclaimed to a television camera, “Texas is good, everything is big”, we knew the World Cup had started. In those early euphoric moments, seeing the palpable joy when everything is still possible, it seemed Japan fans were the MVPs of memes.
- Colorful Japan supporters in silly outfits, dancing and viral antics became one of the tournament's brightest meme stories.
- Internet obsession with Erling Haaland and his warm bromance with Jude Bellingham delighted fans and spawned endless memes.
- Merlín the Mexican duck charmed crowds, met Claudia Sheinbaum, and became an unlikely folk hero meme mascot.
- Victoria Beckham's restrained meme worthy reaction to late goals kept social feeds laughing.
- Mandatory hydration breaks drew universal ridicule and became an unlikely source of repeat memes and advertising interruptions.
They came in their thousands, dressed in sombreros and Mario outfits, tossed into the air like confetti and line dancing with the Dutch. Then the heartbreak arrived.
With more locations, more teams and more games than ever, this was always going to be a tournament primed for viral spectacle. A Ghanaian witch-doctor. Erling Haaland becoming the internet’s boyfriend. Victoria Beckham’s face.
We’ve narrowed down a selection of the most weird and wonderful moments of this World Cup – both on the field and on the sidelines. Or, in the case of Norway, in virtually any physical space to complete a “Viking row”. Strap in, readers.
Japan fans discover America
Thank you, Japan, for the joy you brought this World Cup. It started with a local reporter asking a pair of supporters literally dressed in Japan jerseys “where are you guys from”, who happily complimented her state of Texas with “everything is big”. Then a fan was gleefully thrown into the air by a sea of Netherlands fans, armed with a Pikachu. Notable mentions must also go to the Japan fans’ many and varied outfits.
Vibrating from the bass
Poor Thierry Henry, just trying to get through commentating the World Cup without being subjected to imagery of Alexi Lalas’s “nether regions”. Lalas was very excited by the opening ceremony in Los Angeles ahead of the USA’s match against Paraguay, loudly telling the Fox Sports panel: “I thought that was awesome. My nether regions are still vibrating from the bass.” Henry couldn’t hide his reaction.
‘Grey card again’
This one is somehow even funnier in original Spanish: “Ay no, tarjeta gris otra vez.” Whether this dog was actually at the World Cup, where only service animals are allowed, is besides the point. We fell in love with the Brazilian supporter when it went viral for its confused look over the colour of a card.
Merlín the duck rides Mexican wave
In a battle between the meme mascots of this World Cup, points must also go to Merlín, the Mexican duck, who stole our hearts with his confident waddle and silly little jersey. Merlín became a folk hero and met with Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, as the co-hosts rode a wave of momentum to the last 16. But like his side was unable to go as far in the tournament as hoped, when barred from attending his beloved Mexico’s later matches.
Harry Kane and an England curse
Ghanaian witch-doctor Nana Kwaku Bonsam, the self-described “most powerful spiritualist in the world”, had Harry Kane in his grips during his national team’s 0-0 draw with England. Bonsam claimed to have put a non-violent curse on the English captain. Thankfully, Kane was released from it soon after, but that didn’t help England against Argentina.
‘England historically struggled’
Speaking of England and Ghana. American commentator John Strong delivered an all-timer on a Fox Soccer broadcast during their match in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where he observed England “historically struggled”. Surely the US have enough to dwell on beyond the American revolutionary war.
A three-match ban
If you hadn’t heard of 36-year-old Themba Zwane before the World Cup, you have now. The South Africa midfielder not only earned a red card in the first game of the tournament, but delivered a generational meme with the profound shock of his reaction. He may have got a three-match ban, but Zwane’s legacy lives for ever.
Unexpected blockbusters
A real joy of a World Cup this size has been the showdowns you don’t see coming. Morocco versus Haiti was one. An unexpected, action-packed game that saw Morocco sail into the last 32 with a 4-2 win. In the words of one internet user: “The Haiti second goal was soo perfect to watch I forgot I was Moroccan”. If you know, you know.
A disturbing monument to Messi
This may transcend memes. Over in Patagonia, the Argentinians felt it was the appropriate time to unveil a new, 85-foot statue of Lionel Messi midway through the tournament. And, honestly, it speaks for itself.
The (endless) Viking row
Norway’s fans have never met a surface, it seems, that they can’t use for a “Viking row”. It felt as if they were everywhere this World Cup: bobbing up on escalators, spinning around suitcase conveyors, planted in the middle of city streets, celebrating each win or the team’s return home.
The Three Lions stare down the Azteca
How do you sum up England’s victory against Mexico? A player got a yellow card and was stretchered off the pitch, neither of which occurred during gameplay. Kane’s voice after the game sounded as if he was channelling Terry Jones acting as an angry mother in the Life of Brian, even while describing Jordan Henderson’s dramatic fall. Mexico’s head coach Rafael Márquez let out expletives, then cackled. And that’s before you get to the game itself.
Erling Haaland doing anything
Erling Haaland is fast. Erling Haaland is strong. Erling Haaland likes … $750 taxidermy racoons? Few have united the internet such as Norway’s striker, whose looks and expressions have been compared to a spring onion and Dragon Ball Z, and whose bromance with Jude Bellingham has warmed the cockles of the most cynical football fan’s heart.
Victoria Beckham unbothered
Victoria Beckham could barely contain her emotion when Jude Bellingham scored for England in extra time against Norway. Sadly, her facial expression was quite akin to Mick Jagger when England finally fell to Argentina.
Hydration breakdown
Nothing has drawn so much universal frustration this World Cup as the cursed hydration break. Mandatory, yet pointless three-minute breaks implemented in each half of every match, regardless of whether it is 20C and fine outside, presumably so Fifa can make more money off advertising. Thankfully, they did pose a newfound opportunity for memes, and nothing brings people together more than shared hatred.
And, finally …
Already feeling sad that the World Cup is almost over? Don’t worry. There’s so much more to look forward to as the tournament grows and grows. Hopefully by then, Turkey will have figured out the difference between Australia and Austria.
