As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique football culture

While international media — particularly in South Korea — have written South Africa off as the " whipping boys" of Group A, a closer look at their opponents reveals a different…

In 2010, the Fifa World Cup was hosted in South Africa, marking a historic moment for African football and uniting a nation in cultural pride and celebration.

The Athletic spoke to fans of all 48 nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to capture each country's unique football culture — told through their own words.

As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique football culture

A new series from The Athletic brings you the sights, sounds and stories of football fans from across the globe

South Africa enter the first 48-team World Cup as Africa's 11th-ranked side in the Fifa standings. In the first instalment of a nine-part series on African squads at the 2026…