Photograph: Martina Lang. Food Stylist: Julia Arden
Pass the chakalaka! The best World Cup drinks and snacks – inspired by all 48 teams. From spicy South African relish to Scottish tattie scones, food is an integral part of watching the beautiful game. Here’s how fans around the world fuel match day.
The biggest World Cup ever is surely going to mean the most ever watching parties around the world. With 48 countries competing, why not take inspiration from global cuisine to serve your friends and family something more adventurous than crisps and lager this summer?
Football, after all, is a sport of rituals – from fans wearing the same “lucky pants” to watch every game, to placing the name of an opposing team in the freezer – and that extends to eating and drinking, too. This doesn’t just mean booze; in nations where alcohol is prohibited, for example, tea and traditional sweets provide the social lubrication. South American fixtures are fiestas of churrasco (barbecues), chimichurri and a lot of cheering, while in regions where cafe culture thrives, baked goods and strong espresso are more commonly enjoyed during matches than half a cider and some pork scratchings – even at 3am.
In the UK it seems staying in is the new going out for fans: a recent OnePoll survey of 2,000 adults by snack brand Jacob’s found 73% of us are planning to shun the pub and watch the games at home this summer. Citing factors such as comfort, cost and late kick-off times as key deciders, 57% of us are planning to get in food and drinks for the match, bringing a taste of World Cup fever into our living rooms.
Football-mad James Knappett, chef and co-founder of two Michelin-starred Kitchen Table, and still riding high on Arsenal winning the Premier League last month, says the combination of football and food is hard to beat for enjoyment. “We love to eat and we love to watch football – what could be better than doing them both together? There couldn’t possibly be a better experience than sipping ice-cold beer and tucking into a basket of hot buffalo wings while watching the game.”
And while the Jacob’s survey found 48% of Britons are satisfied with a bowl of crisps to snack on, our love of world flavours has exploded in recent years: 95% of British households now buy into world cuisine, leading Ocado to list 400 new global products last year, and Tesco to add another 200 to their shelves. In other words, there’s never been a better time to put down the ready salted and embrace flavours from farther afield.
To find out what needs to go on your shopping list (and suggestions on where to source it), I spoke to people across the globe, learning how they watch the game in their own countries – and, most importantly, what they eat and drink while doing so. The responses were deliciously illuminating.
Group A
Mexico
Mexican homes become mini fiestas when the national team play, with family and friends gathering for beer, tacos and fireworks. You’ll be needing a good tequila: in my guide to the best tequila, Dwayne Johnson’s Teremana blanco tequila rated highly. From a family-owned distillery and full of juicy Jalisco agave, this is great to sip or slam. Pair with blue corn tortilla chips such as these from Blanco Niño.
South Africa
“Watching soccer is rarely quiet – lots of shouting, singing and a vuvuzela or two,” says South African sports fan Deryck. Steak, chops, boerewors coiled sausage and chicken are cooked on a braai (an open fire of wood or coals) to go in rolls with salad. Snacks include biltong and chakalaka spicy relish – all available from specialist store the Savanna. “SA has a big drinking culture,” Deryck adds. “When there is soccer, there is brandy and Coke.” Try Klipdrift.
South Korea
South Korea enjoys a strong social drinking culture and fans gather in pubs for big games, a Korean acquaintance says. They drink beer or soju, a clear, rice-based spirit like a light vodka. My source recommends Jinro Chamisul Original, served in shot glasses, alongside fried chicken.
Czechia
“Czechs and football belong together,” says František Reismüller, director of CzechTourism. “There is always well-chilled beer, something good to eat, and loud cheering.” Toast the team with Pilsner Urquell and Obložené Chlebíčky – sliced baguette rounds topped with potato salad, salami, boiled eggs and cheese.
Group B
Canada
When Canadians watch football, “tables are thick with pints of local Quebec beer, and families pass around plates of poutine” – fries topped with cheese curds and gravy – says travel expert and Montreal local LP Maurice. Cheer on Canada’s Les Rouges with Proper’s maple bacon corn snacks, and wash down with a glass of crisp Whistler riesling icewine, made from grapes harvested on icy winter nights.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ivana, a Bosnian friend, says, “Football is very much a social thing. If there is a big win, there are street parties, flags and flares. Food is essential, especially simple fast food such as ćevapi (a kind of kofte/skinless sausage hybrid).” Try these inside a flatbread with raw onion.
Qatar
Free-flowing Arabic coffee, karak tea (like strong chai) and fresh juices are the name of the game for Qataris when the football is on. Get a taste of the Gulf with authentically spiced Arabic coffee alongside dates and baklava pastries.
Switzerland
Beer, hotdogs and paprika crisps are Swiss favourites when watching football at home, says Selina from myswitzerland.com. “We watch in smaller groups of friends with just snacks,” adds a Swiss friend, Daniel. “And everyone is happy if Germany loses.”
Group C
Brazil
Football is, of course, a national event in Brazil, where the churrasco will be fired up for slices of juicy picanha (rump), and fans are fuelled by ice-cold Brahma beer. Vamos, vamos, Brasil!
Morocco
Sidestreets, cafes and bars are where most football viewing takes place, but in Moroccan homes, you might find women or older people watching with mint green tea, khobez flatbread and various meze dips or spreads, such as zaalouk, a bit like baba ganoush.
Haiti
Haitians are football crazy and were elated to qualify for the first time in more than 50 years, but the political situation and tight US visa restrictions mean many will watch at home. Bring the Haitian vibe with griot, plantain chips, fresh tropical fruit, such as mango and guava, and clairin, similar to rum but funkier and more vegetal, best served with citrussy mixers or cola.
Scotland
Scotland haven’t taken part in a World Cup since 1998, so their games are a must-watch. Tennent’s and McEwan’s Export are the beers of choice (or Irn-Bru for non-drinkers), or go half and half (half of beer, dram of whisky). Rachael, from Dundee, plans a feast: “I love a macaroni pie, Lorne sausage baps and tattie scones. We’ll cheer for whoever England are playing, on principle.”
Group D
USA
“Game day is all about sliders, tacos, wings and mozzarella sticks,” says Ross, from Boca Raton, Florida. American Jade Haoi, purchasing head for Whole Foods Market, adds, “Hosting centres on a big help-yourself spread, keeping things easy and generous.” Serve with M&S’s nduja & pepperoni pizza hot melting dip and pitchers of a classic cosmo.
Paraguay
Chipa is a popular South American cheese bread roll often enjoyed during the game. Beer – usually Paraguayan Pilsen, similar to Stella Artois – is the drink of choice, or fruity cocktails. Try with Paraguayan rum El Supremo.
Australia
Cheer on the Socceroos with the quintessential Aussie footie snack, a meat pie, which must be eaten with plenty of ketchup squeezed under the pastry lid. Pair with a bottle or two of Victoria Bitter or a “goon bag” (Oz slang for bag-in-box wine) of chardonnay.
Turkey
“Turkish fans are passionate about football – the date of national high school exams has even changed due to the match against Australia,” says my Turkish friend Merve. The vibe is super social; tea is huge, and Efes beer is really popular. Have raki (aniseed spirit) on hand, and eat durum wraps, pide (like pizza) or roasted chickpeas.
Group E
Germany
Big-screen communal viewing – often outdoors – is a big thing here, enjoyed with a beer (Krombacher is the most popular brand) and bratwurst with currywurst sauce. “At home, people eat the latter with potato salad,” says Sabine from Stuttgart. “Lidl and Aldi have a range of Bavarian food.”
Curaçao
Get behind the Blue Wave, home team of the smallest nation ever to qualify, in their first game against Germany, by stirring up a Blue Lagoon cocktail: a shot of Blue Curaçao – what else? – and a shot of vodka, topped with lemonade and garnished with a cherry. As a former colony of the Netherlands, its influence is still seen in the cuisine: popular football snacks include pastries, bitterballen (deep-fried meaty croquettes) and Dutch cheeses.
Côte d’Ivoire
For Ivorians, national games are an excuse to get together and share food and drink while cheering on Les Éléphants. Think skewers of grilled meats, fried plantains and street food with beer – Flag is a local favourite (Heineken is said to taste similar) – or try palm wine, a sweet, milky and tangy, sparkling alcoholic drink.
Ecuador
La Tri fans turn every game into a celebration, enjoying traditional dishes such as empanadas, ceviche and patacones (fried green plantain fritters) dipped into fresh salsa and guacamole. Jugs of just-squeezed juices of mango, passion fruit and guanabana are common, along with cold beers and the local firewater, Aguardiente.
Group F
The Netherlands
Football fans in the Netherlands go all out in support of their national team, Oranje, with the country’s streets and canal-sides full of orange-clad fans eating fries and bitterballen, and drinking Dutch pilsner. Try a can or two from southern city Breda’s Frontaal brewing company.
Japan
The time difference means that many games will be taking place in the early morning in Japan, so tea is the order of the day. A Japanese friend, Mika, tells me that Clearspring’s Sencha is the closest to what she drinks in Japan. But if you prefer izakaya (pub) vibes, pick up a Japanese whiskey for highballs – Mika recommends Hibiki – and provide plenty of edamame beans, yakitori (skewered chicken) or karaage (deep-fried morsels) to line the stomach.
Sweden
“Watching the World Cup is an emotional smorgasbord for us,” Emily from Sweden says. “We lean into our love for plockgodis (pick’n’mix sweets), filling massive bowls to get us through the nerves of the game. Between the constant flow of coffee and the aquavit (distilled spirit) standing by for a victory skål (toast) or commiseration, it’s a high-energy ritual that brings the whole country together.” Serve some authentically Scandi pick’n’mix or bullar (sweet spiced buns) with coffee, fika-style.
Tunisia
Cafe culture rules for Tunisian football fans, so espresso, mint tea and olives, such as the ones below with harissa, are common match-day sustenance. For celebrations, you might see a bottle of Boukha Bokobsa (fig brandy) being produced. Serve it neat with lemon.
Group G
Belgium
“Football in Belgium is inseparably linked with beer and Belgian fries,” Jeroen Roppe, Visit Brussels’ spokesperson, tells me. Slather those fries generously with Brussels ketjep mayo. Snacks include crisps and cocktail nuts.
Egypt
Hagar from Visit Egypt says, “In Egypt, the World Cup is celebrated in a fun and social way. Popular food includes koshari – rice, lentils, macaroni and vermicelli in spices – with tea, coffee and fresh juices.” Be inspired by Dyna Eldaief’s The Taste of Egypt.
Iran
Sunflower seeds are a snacking staple for Iranians. Roasted and salted, the seeds are crunchy, oily and addictive to crack open and munch while watching a high-tension match as the shells pile up.
New Zealand
With rugby the country’s big focus, football viewing can be more chilled. Takeaway fish and chips is a staple for any matchday and it’s hard to beat, with a glass of Marlborough sauvignon blanc to cheer on the All Whites. Have some chocolate fish bites on standby, too.
Group H
Spain
Spanish fans fuel their support with tortilla, tempranillo wine and cold beer. Try Mahou or San Miguel with squares of Spanish omelette – Sainsbury’s came top in Tom Hunt’s test of the best tortillas – or make your own. For a lighter way to enjoy the match, mix a fruity red wine with lemon soda and ice to create a tinto de verano. Juan from Madrid says no-prep snacks are key. He’ll serve salted almonds in oil while waiting for his tortilla to cook.
Cape Verde
Cape Verdeans watching the Blue Sharks will no doubt knock back a local Strela beer. It’s tricky to get hold of in the UK, but their heavy Portuguese influence means Super Bock is almost as popular. They love snacking on chicken and chorizo croquettes – football or no football.
Saudi Arabia
Mango juice, lemon sodas and Arabic coffee are key ingredients to watching the Saudi national team, with fans settling in over a mix of traditional shawarma (cooked meat) wraps and fast food. Get marinating your own shawarma with Belazu’s flavoursome marinade.
Uruguay
Uruguay’s national dish, chivito – steak, ham, mozzarella, tomato, olives and mayo (crispy bacon and fried eggs optional) in a bun – is easy to prepare ahead of the game. Serve with a glass of Tannat red wine.
Group I
France
Watching Les Bleus is a lively affair, says my Parisian friend Nic, with bars, brasseries and public squares full of fans drinking beer, wine and traditional pastis liqueur. If watching at home, he says he’ll plump for aperitifs: nuts, olives, cheese bites and small savoury biscuits. For something more substantial, serve mini croque monsieurs at half-time.
Senegal
Senegalese football fans enjoy local beers such as Flag and Gazelle (sadly not exported here, but Estrella is said to be similar) and munch on peanut snacks, peanut-based stews and crunchy nibbles such as the popular Chin Chin to help keep the nerves at bay while watching the Lions of Teranga.
Iraq
Along with charcoal-grilled meats and falafel, samosas are a popular match-day snack for Iraqis. Try these authentic mini lamb samosas with fresh juices, Arabic coffee or sweet, strong chai – no booze, please! Handheld snacks such as halab kibba – a crispy Iraqi variety of the popular Lebanese kibbeh – are another tasty way to provide sustenance.
Norway
Norwegians typically “gather in someone’s house to watch with beer, burgers, maybe pizza”, according to my Norwegian sister-in-law. “Or there are fan parks that have large screens and you can book to watch.” She often puts out bowls of Smash! – chocolate-covered savoury corn snacks, which I find impossible to resist. Norwegians are also very heavily into liquorice – Lakrids’ gourmet chocolate-covered versions are very popular and hard to beat.
Group J
Argentina
The digestif liqueur Fernet, paired with Coke, is an iconic Argentinian football-viewing tipple, as is mate – the national drink – served in a gourd and passed around, with strict adherence to not celebrating a goal before the final whistle. Pick up some malbec to drink with asado-style (slow-grilled) sirloin. Choripán – grilled chorizo in a baguette with spicy chimichurri – is a popular grab’n’go food that’s ripe for recreating at home, too.
Algeria
Fast food, bourek (cheese-filled filo parcels) and merguez (spicy sausage) sandwiches are popular when cheering on Les Fennecs (The Foxes), all with lashings of tea – or possibly a beer or two in private settings. Order a pack of these spicy merguez sausages for an Algerian take on the half-time hotdog.
Austria
Wurstel (Vienna sausage) and schnitzel, in sandwiches or served alone, are classic Austrian football fodder. Of course, beer features heavily in the Austrian fans’ arsenal as they cheer on The Boys, though many will opt for a lower-alcohol radler-style (shandy) beer for a longer session.
Jordan
As with much of the Middle East, Jordanians love to tear into bread and hummus while watching the beautiful game. Hummus is an emotive ingredient, with recipes varying between cultures and continents, but the widely available Kasih hummus is made in Jordan, in the Jordanian style: creamy and tahini-heavy. Serve with mint tea.
Group K
Portugal
Spain has tapas, Italy has aperitivo; enter petiscos, Portugal’s answer to early evening drinks and nibbles, perfect for pairing with a spot of World Cup viewing. Croquettes, traditional meats and cheeses, and small pork sandwiches make for easy eating. A light white port and tonic slips down nicely alongside.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
“DR Congo hasn’t been to the World Cup for more than 50 years, so there’s a real emotional release around it,” says Laure Zoya, founder of DRC Tourism. “Food is a big part of the ritual. Serve poulet mayo (smoky chicken mixed with mayo, peppers, onions and spices), barbecued goat and fried plantains, and wash it down with Skol, the DRC version of which is very popular here and part of the football experience.”
Uzbekistan
Green or black tea is the match-day drink of choice, accompanied by a spread of traditional Central Asian foods. Manti (steamed savoury dumplings) are served with yoghurt, and sweet treats such as halva and dried fruits make an appearance, too.
Colombia
Empanadas and filled arepas (maize griddlecakes) are useful, handheld football snacks in Colombia, though chorizo (different from the Spanish type) and grilled meat are also big for home viewing. Cold beers, local rum and fresh tropical juices such as guava refresh overwrought fans.
Group L
England
It goes without saying that when England play, supermarkets see a run on beers and snacks – to the tune of a £9.8m uplift during Euro 2024. Brits are the biggest consumers of crisps in the world, so a well-stocked crisp buffet is always welcome, served with beer. A home-cooked vindaloo is appreciated, too.
Croatia
Most Croatian fans watch games in public, sharing plates of fries and ćevapi sausages, beers in hand, says Elaine Warren, travel expert and founder of the Family Cruise Companion. Recreate the vibe with smokey ajvar (red pepper and aubergine) dip and bowls of Smoki – a puffed peanut-y snack that is a Balkan staple.
Ghana
Matchday in Ghana calls for jollof (aromatic rice); if you’re near north London, Aunties Street Food has you covered, or try Mammy Market medium hot sauce for a shortcut. Local beers Club and Star are the order of the day when Ghana play, but sobolo – a sweet and sharp hibiscus infusion – is also popular.
Panama
Empanadas and crispy-fried pork belly snacks are matchday go-tos for football fans in Panama. Atlas is the bestselling beer, sadly not available here (Carling is said to be similar), and rum-adjacent white spirit Seco Herrerano is popular, too, especially mixed with tropical juices.
Joanne Gould is a food, drink and lifestyle writer with a decade of experience, taste-testing anything from South African wines to speciality coffee or scotch.
