Fan celebrations that light up the World Cup
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Japanese fans in costume as they support their team against Netherlands on June 14.
PHOTO: AFP
SINGAPORE – Nothing unites a nation quite like a World Cup, and that unity has resulted in numerous fan chants gaining attention globally.
From universal chants like “Allez, allez, allez” to a special serenade for Lionel Messi in 2022, here are some iconic international fan chants that have made headlines over the years.
Norway row back to the World Cup
Norway made their return to the World Cup after 28 years in style, paying homage to their heritage through a viking-themed team photo that earned praise from many.
In similar fashion, their fans left the world captivated with a “viking row” celebration at a pre-tournament friendly against Sweden. They also brought the celebration to Boston where Norway thumped Iraq 4-1 in their Group I opener.
The celebration involves a drum and the fans mimicking the action of pulling an oar as they shout “yo!”.
Argentina serenade Messi in Qatar
The spotlight at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was on Argentina and Lionel Messi for many reasons – the team clinched their third title after waiting 36 years, while captain Messi was awarded the Golden Ball for being the best player at the Finals.
But their fans also made headlines with a special song that had millions of Argentinians singing, including the players.
Sung to the tune of Argentine band La Mosca’s Muchachos, fan Fernando Romero wrote the accompanying lyrics: “Muchachos, ahora nos volvimos a ilusionar. Quiero ganar la tercera. Quiero ser campeon mundial.” (“Boys, now we’re dreaming again. I want to win for the third time, I want to be a world champion.”)
The rallying cry worked then, and La Albiceleste will hope for the same success in North America in what could be their maestro Messi’s final World Cup campaign.
Vamos Nippon
An ode to how sport unites people of all nationalities, this chant by Japan’s fervent supporters combines the Spanish “vamos” with the Japanese name of their country.
The cheer was featured during the Samurai Blues’ giants-slaying campaign in 2022, during which Japan stunned former champions Germany and Spain in the group stage.
‘It’s coming home’ to England?
Once a unifying chant for England fans, the iconic line has become used to mock the Three Lions, who are still awaiting their first silverware since the 1966 World Cup.
The song was released in conjunction with the 1996 European Championship, which England hosted. Comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner, alongside the band Lightning Seed, re-recorded the song ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
South Africa’s vuvuzela brings the buzz
Vuvuzelas first gained attention at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa – for the wrong reasons.
Used mainly by the hosts’ fans, it is a long, plastic horn that makes a low buzzing sound when blown, similar to the sound of bees buzzing.
While South Africa will be making their return to the tournament for the first time since they hosted it in 2010, the iconic instrument will not.
The instrument’s sound drew such massive backlash in 2010, including from players, that it has been banned from the World Cup since 2014.
Icelandic ‘thunderclap’ shakes the world
Iceland shook the world – literally and figuratively – when they became one of the smallest nations to qualify for the World Cup in 2018.
Despite a population of just 335,000 then, Iceland fans made themselves heard worldwide – with a booming Viking clap that sounds like thunder.
However, the Viking “thunderclap” will not make an appearance at the 2026 World Cup as Russia 2018 remains Iceland’s only appearance at the quadrennial tournament.
