Top 10 Countries Most Passionate About Football Worldwide

England’s national football team may have faced their share of defeats over the years, but that hasn't stopped this football-obsessed nation from supporting their team at every major tournament. The fervor for matches in the English Premier League never seems to die down, which is a clear testament to the country's deep love for football. Just observe the way the English fans passionately cheer for their team to understand how much they cherish the sport. When it comes to game day, English fans come alive with their loud and proud cheers. The stadiums are decorated with flags bearing symbols of their patron saints, and before the match begins, they belt out the national anthem followed by a rousing rendition of 'Rule Britannia,' accompanied by a brass band. It’s an electrifying experience that showcases their unwavering dedication to the beautiful game.

Though Vietnam is a small nation on the global football map and has yet to achieve major international success, the country’s love for football is something that commands admiration worldwide. The recent victory of the Vietnam U23 team speaks volumes about the immense passion and genuine support of over 90 million Vietnamese people for the sport.

Football fans across the globe were in awe of the grand celebrations when Vietnam's U23 team secured the runner-up position. The welcome for the players’ return felt no different from that of welcoming champions, as they were hailed as heroes. Vietnam's love for football has spread far beyond its borders, becoming a source of national pride today and for generations to come.

In Italy, a country known for its regional rivalries, football has often served as the strongest unifying force. For Italians, their Sundays begin with church services, followed by a family lunch, and then it’s time for football — whether at the stadium or glued to the TV screen.

The love for football in Italy is undeniable, as shown by the players who fight for each other despite the shadow of past scandals like match-fixing, which still looms over the sport. The passionate Napoli fans scream themselves hoarse at the San Paolo stadium, while outside, the harsh realities of life unfold — from the gunshots of the Camorra gang's turf wars to overflowing garbage bins in the alleyways, all amidst an environment full of uncertainty and hardship.

For Argentina, football is not just a sport; it is a way of life, as essential as breathing or eating. For an Argentine man, there are three things that matter most in life: women, food, and football. But during football matches, this order changes, with football taking priority over food and women.

Children in Argentina start playing football at a very young age, and the games can be found everywhere — in the streets, on the playground, or in the town squares. This is also the country that has produced some of the world’s greatest football talents, including the legendary Lionel Messi, Andrés D'Alessandro, Nicolás, and Arnaldo Ariel Ortega.

Looking at France's football achievements over the years, it’s clear that the sport holds a central place in the lives of its people. Following a victory, fans celebrate by singing and chanting all the way from the stadium back to the streets, expressing their joy. These celebrations might include chanting the club's anthem or simply shouting the name of the standout player of the match.

One unforgettable moment was in February 2016 when Paris Saint-Germain triumphed over Chelsea, sending the city of Paris into a frenzy. Football stories dominated the conversation in bars, cafes, and along the streets near the Parc des Princes. For the first time in years, the roads leading to the stadium were completely jammed, with traffic at a standstill for hours. Truly, football had created a historic moment in the City of Lights.

Although baseball has traditionally been more popular than football in Japan, the country has made remarkable strides in developing professional football since 1993. This was when Japan began investing in top-tier clubs, talented coaches, and star players, laying the foundation for a booming football industry that has grown rapidly over the years. After each victory, Japanese football fans always ensure there’s a celebration.

At the Saitama stadium, over 4,000 fans celebrated by dancing and chanting until the early morning. Meanwhile, in Tokyo's Shibuya district, some fans climbed street poles to cheer when Japan advanced past the group stage of the 2010 World Cup. One of the most heartwarming displays of the nation’s football spirit occurred at the 2014 World Cup, when Japanese fans remained behind to meticulously clean every scrap of litter from the Arena Pernambuco stands in Recife, earning worldwide admiration for their sportsmanship.

Japan is one of Asia's most successful football teams, with seven consecutive appearances in the World Cup. The team has reached the Round of 16 four times — in 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022 — becoming the Asian nation with the most World Cup knockout stage appearances. Japan also holds the record for the most AFC Asian Cup titles, having won the tournament four times (1992, 2000, 2004, and 2011). They finished as runners-up in the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup and are one of only three Asian nations, alongside Australia and Saudi Arabia, to reach a final in a FIFA-sanctioned tournament. On the regional stage, Japan has claimed the East Asian Football Championship four times (1992, 1995, 1998, and 2013).

China is known for its rapidly growing sports industry, and it's no surprise that football has become a significant part of their national passion. Under President Xi Jinping, China has launched a comprehensive plan called the "China Football Reform and Development Program," which includes 50 key initiatives aimed at boosting the country's football scene. This includes substantial investments and clear goals to elevate the sport to new heights.

As the most populous country in the world, China consistently has a strong presence in the stands at football matches, both at home and abroad. The Chinese Super League is expanding rapidly, and the love for football continues to grow each year, with fans becoming more dedicated and passionate about the sport.

Anyone who has ever stepped foot in Brazil can attest to the country's deep and unshakable love for football. Fans across the globe were left in awe when Rogério de Carvalho decided to paint his teeth in the colors of Fluminense FC, or when Carlos Eduardo Araujo covered everything from his personal items to his home and car in the iconic black and red of Flamengo.

In Brazil, football is not just a sport—it's a religion, and like any religion, it commands reverence. The country is the undisputed World Cup champion, with five victories in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. Many would give anything to be in Brazil during these moments to witness firsthand the explosion of joy from a nation so fervent in its football passion.

In 1996, Brazil's national team made history with an incredible 35-match unbeaten streak, a record that has stood for 25 years as the longest undefeated streak for any national team.

In July 2014, when Germany's national team ascended to the pinnacle of football by winning the World Cup, the joy among the German people was felt more deeply than ever. Returning home as world champions after conquering Brazil, the German squad was greeted with the kind of hero's welcome reserved for legends.

In Germany, football and beer go hand in hand. On the way to the stadiums, it’s common to see fans of both genders carrying a bottle of beer, with the excitement building even before the first whistle. This deep connection between fans and their national team has undeniably contributed to Germany's exceptional achievements on the football field.

The celebrations and parades are an inseparable part of Spain's football festivities. It's a moment when tens of thousands of fans come together in unity, dancing, cheering, and celebrating with vibrant colors, sounds, and emotions that truly capture the spirit of the game.

This Iberian nation consistently ranks in the top 20 in FIFA standings, with its colossal stadiums holding up to 100,000 spectators. The roar of the crowds and the energy of the cheers all serve as a testament to Spain's deep-rooted football culture and the immense passion of its people.