Jumping on board the World Cup bandwagon has never been easier for the casual fan this summer.With star players locked in, underdog nations upsetting the odds, and two previously unheard-of goalkeepers doing their best Gandalf you-shall-not-pass impressions, likely and unlikely heroes and engaging storylines are everywhere across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.But still, choosing the right team to follow is difficult — never mind selecting one out of the 41 sides left in the competition.So, inspired by the 2025 college football guide for the bandwagon fan, here are our writers’ picks for the teams worth supporting and why, whether you’re a new fan of soccer or support a team already eliminated.Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic appCountry: Netherlands
World ranking: 8
Previous best at World Cup: Finalist (1974, 1978, 2010)Why you should get on board: They are by far the most talented side to have never won the World Cup, usually play a beautiful brand of football, and their fans are amongst the most fun in the tournament. Naar links! Naar rechts!Why you shouldn’t get on board: Your journey as a fan is extremely likely to end in heartbreak. Full disclosure: Sign the consent form. I don’t want any angry complaints after a likely quarter-final exit. Also, the squad quite often falls out with each other, but hey, if you like a soap opera, it’s usually a good watch.Best player to have on your shirt: Frenkie de Jong. The Barcelona midfielder is the heart of this side — though after Brian Brobbey’s brace against Sweden, the Sunderland striker could turn into one of this tournament’s cult heroes.Which other sports team are they like?: Look, the Netherlands are basically the New York Knicks — and I’m not just talking about the orange.Both teams have endured long droughts. Both, at times, have sunk from the weight of the burden. Both teams had golden eras in the 1970s. Both have crazy fans and believe their side, in some way, embodies the soul of their respective sport.So come on — if you cannot get enough of the Knicks ending their 53-year wait for a championship, get behind their Dutch brethren too.Jacob WhiteheadCountry: Senegal
