World Cup 2026’s Weird and Wonderful Viral Moments
With 48 teams, more venues and more matches than any previous edition, the 2026 World Cup was always likely to produce an extraordinary volume of memorable moments beyond the football itself. According to a roundup published by The Guardian, the tournament has delivered on that promise in some genuinely unexpected ways.
Japan Fans Set the Tone Early
Japan supporters arrived in their thousands and quickly became the breakout stars of the early stages. Dressed in sombreros, Mario outfits and carrying Pikachu toys, they brought a level of infectious enthusiasm that set social media alight. One clip that captured the mood perfectly showed a Japan fan clutching a Pikachu being tossed into the air by a crowd of Netherlands supporters. Separately, a local Texas reporter asking two Japan fans — both clearly wearing Japan jerseys — where they were from became an instant favourite, with the pair cheerfully responding that