Double the flags, double the fun: Expat’s guide to cheering for two teams at the World Cup 2026

The World Cup 2026 is starting in just a few weeks. As the excitement grows, many expats find themselves wondering: Who do I cheer for? The country I was born in, or the country that I currently live in? We’ll try to find the answer together – and make your international football tournament experience unforgettable in a good way.

Is supporting two teams acceptable?

The only possible answer is yes. There is nothing wrong with supporting two teams, because they both fight for your ‘home’. Loving two countries has become totally acceptable, since the football fandom has evolved and now unites millions of people with different stories and backgrounds. You’re not a traitor. You’re the person who doubles the joy and spreads support across countries and continents,

“Football unites the world and has to also unite the young generation in a world which seems to be more and more divided. We need occasions to bring people together and we really believe that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring people together,” – FIFA President Gianni Infantino, May 18th, 2026.

However, learning to navigate dual loyalty is a challenge in itself. You should take into account your friends’ expectations, match schedules, learn all the chants and keep up with the news of both teams. For fans like you, we’ve prepared this survival guide on how to manage allegiances during World Cup 2026.

Be honest with yourself

Before the opening ceremony, you need to sit down and honestly evaluate your emotional attachments. The secret to successfully supporting two teams is accepting that they probably don’t occupy the exact same space in your heart. You can try ranking the teams for yourself – it’ll help if they play against each other:

1. The main team: It could be your home nation. You know the anthem lyrics by heart, you own the retro jerseys, and their elimination may legitimately ruin your week.
2. The second team: It could be the country you currently live in, or, if you were already born abroad, perhaps a country representing your heritage. You desperately want them to succeed, you love the local street atmosphere when they win, but if they get knocked out, you may recover quickly.

Be as well honest with people around you. A simple, "I’m backing France because I live here and love the energy, but if Ghana makes a run, that's where my soul is," goes a long way. Sincerity is the foundation of good football fandom.

Prepare the World Cup 2026 calendar

With 48 teams and 104 matches, the group stage scheduling is an absolute beast to navigate – so add all the dates to your digital calendar and coordinate time zones in advance.

• All in one place: Some days will be filled with four-six matches, because 2026 group stage scheduling is dense. Put the games you’re interested in in one digital space – calendar, notes, notifications or whatever you’re used to. Don’t forget to add the following rounds as soon as you know the knockout results! Put the calendar on the main screen to never miss a reminder.
• Mind the time zones: If you don’t live in the USA, Canada or Mexico, you must coordinate time zones. A match kicking off at 12 PM Vancouver (Pacific Time) starts at 9 PM in Central European Time (CET) countries. While 12 PM in New York (Eastern Time) is 6 PM CET. Time zones are extremely confusing – you should check the exact kick-offs for each match.
• Prioritise for peace of mind: Matches may overlap, but don’t stress too much about it. Prioritise which games you choose to watch live and which ones you catch on the highlights later. Don’t double-question your decision, stick to what feels right.

Embrace the traditions of both countries

Learn anthems, explore the supporter culture and deep dive into the history of both teams. When cultures collide and unite, this is where the true magic of an international football tournament happens. Here’s exactly what you can do:

• Memorise the terraces’ anthems: Learn the signature songs of both countries. If you are living in the UK, you need to know the words to "Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home)" and "Sweet Caroline" before stepping into a British pub. If you are an expat in France, learn the collective roar of La Marseillaise. In Germany, get used to the rhythmic chanting of "Deutschland, Deutschland" in crowded Biergartens. Taking 20 minutes to look up the lyrics shows incredible respect to the locals and instantly converts you from an outsider to a welcome guest.
• Decode the local football etiquette: Every country watches the game differently. In the UK, pub culture dictates strict unwritten rules, such as not blocking the view of the main screen and being ready to buy drinks in "rounds". In Germany, public viewings are popular, where fans of all ages sit at long wooden tables. In Italy or Spain, look for neighborhood squares or local peñas (supporter clubs), be ready to come across a group of people analysing the tactical layout (tattica) so seriously like it’s a university lecture.
• Share your culture: You can explain your home country's football identity to your new local friends. Tell them about the playing style, historical roots and fun facts over a drink.

“The World Cup brings down cultural barriers. You go to a World Cup and feel happiness when you see people from all over the world – of all religions, education levels and backgrounds” – Dunga, November 24th, 2022.

Choose where to watch the games

It could be a bar, pub, open-air fan zone, your home or your friends’ place. The location will dictate the vibe: home parties are cosy and safe, expats bars are welcoming and warm, while huge fan zones energise you more energy than ever.

Tips:

• FIFA 2026 in Europe: How to watch online, on TV and offline.
• How to watch FIFA 2026 in the UK: TV channels, streaming platforms and local fan zones.

If you’re planning watch parties at home, don’t just serve the local snacks. Introduce your favourite dishes and drinks to the locals: for example, if you are a Nigerian expat in Berlin, pair jollof rice with local German wheat beers. Food is the ultimate icebreaker. Just be careful who you choose to watch the game with – putting serious fans of opposing teams in one room might end poorly.

Accept that only one team can win World Cup 2026

If you’re supporting two teams, one will 100% lose. That’s just how football works. So how do you navigate dual loyalty when your teams face each other?

• Go with the flow: Once the game starts, you’ll naturally lean more towards one team. Don’t fight this feeling, but accept it.
• Wear neutral colours or DIY mixed gear: You may cut half of each team’s scarves and sew them into one. If it’s too much work, simply wear neutral colours to show respect towards both teams.  
• Beautiful sport > nationality: Focus on great passes, incredible saves, and legendary goals from both sides.
• Think positively: One team will lose, but the other is guaranteed to promote. The only question is who will enter the next round.

The World Cup is designed to bring the globe together. As an expat, you have all the rights to cheer for the place that accepted you and your homeland together. So fly both flags proudly and get ready for the greatest month in sports.