From celebrating World Cup wins to linguistic shenanigans and the 'hidden superpower' of a second language, this week’s La Belle Vie newsletter offers an insight into this essential process.
Emma Albright - emma.albright@thelocal.com
Updated: Thu 11 Jun 2026 17:57 CET
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People gather on the fan zone to watch the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match between France and Croatia, on the Champ de Mars in Paris on July 15th, 2018. (Photo by JACQUES DEMARTHON / AFP)
From celebrating World Cup wins to linguistic shenanigans and the 'hidden superpower' of a second language, this week’s La Belle Vie newsletter offers an insight into this essential process.
Allez les Bleus is a fan chant that mirrors the rise of French football: ‘For me it’s like breathing’
‘Uruguay noma’ is a battle cry, a conviction that this small country can compete with anyone
Belgium fans do not even sing the national anthem in the same language. But they are all together
‘1, 2, 3, viva l’Algerie’ was a plea for independence. It lives on as Algeria’s rallying cry
The Art of Savoring a World Cup—From ‘We’ll Deep-fry Your Paella’ to the Law of Jante
The World Cup Paradox
Spain is a complex country with many challenges. The national team offers a ‘unity that makes us stronger’
The France puzzle standing between Didier Deschamps and World Cup immortality
How to win the World Cup
Football Daily | It’s World Cup week – will the hope, memes and dreams be as good as it gets?
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Times and channels for every men’s football World Cup match, how to revalue your French property after renovation work, the rules…
As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique…
As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique…
