It’s set to be the biggest World Cup in history, with 48 teams participating across Mexico, Canada and the United States of America. However, as we all know, the Republic of Ireland won’t be part of the proceedings this tournament.
Despite the heroics of Troy Parrott in qualifying, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side fell short in the play-off semi-final against Czechia, losing heartbreakingly on penalties in Prague.
It means Ireland’s wait for a World Cup adventure goes on, but while there won’t be any Ireland representation (besides Pico Lopes) at the World Cup, there’s still a huge number of football fans in Ireland who’ll be watching it.
But who will they be supporting? We put out a poll to find out.
Who are Irish fans supporting at this World Cup?
We gave people nearly a dozen options, covering the big names like the World Cup holders Argentina, France, Brazil and England, while also throwing in a couple of non-favorites like Scotland, for the vocal Celtic supporter wanting to cheer on their team’s players, and the Ivory Coast, whose flag is a mirror image of the Ireland flag. We also threw in a curveball.
Neymar Jr of Brazil. Pic: Sarah Stier – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
In third place in our poll, 12% of voters went for Scotland. Obviously, there’s a lot of sentiment for our Celtic neighbors who are in their first World Cup since France 1998.
They’re in a very fun group with the legendary Brazil, African Cup of Nations (sort of) winners Morocco and Haiti, who are no slouches with their recent slew of call-ups.
In a three-way tie for second place, 16% voted for Brazil, Spain and Portugal.
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The Iberian pair of Spain and Portugal is one of the heavy favorites, alongside France and England, and it’s easy to see why.
For Portugal, it’s their sheer amount of midfield talent. PSG pair Vitinha and Joao Neves have dominated European club football for two seasons now, winning back-to-back Champions League titles, and in Bruno Fernandes, they have the best creator in Premier League history, off the back of a 21-assist season with Manchester United.
Reigning European Champions Spain are looking very dangerous heading into this World Cup. They haven’t lost a competitive match since Scotland beat them 2-0 at Hampden Park back in 2023.
In Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Inaki Williams, they have one of the most talented attacks in the competition. Can they repeat their 2010 glory?
Then, the pick which topped the poll with 20% of the share of the votes was our curveball, ‘Anyone but England’.
While there may not be the same tensions between the nations that once existed, Irish fans clearly still don’t want to see their English neighbors do too well, with another survey revealing that 70% of Irish fans say they enjoy seeing England fail.
With the hiring of Thomas Tuchel, England have gone all in on trying to win this summer’s World Cup, 60 years on from their last and only triumph back on home soil in 1966. Will they finally bring football home?
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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