As a Japanese supporter exclaimed to a television camera, "Texas is good, everything is big," the World Cup kicked off with a viral moment. In those early euphoric moments, Japan fans emerged as the MVPs of memes, dressed in sombreros and Mario outfits, tossed into the air like confetti and line dancing with the Dutch. But heartbreak soon followed.
Japan Fans Discover America
Thank you, Japan, for the joy you brought this World Cup. It started with a local reporter asking a pair of supporters dressed in Japan jerseys where they were from, and they happily complimented Texas with "everything is big." Then a fan was gleefully thrown into the air by a sea of Netherlands fans, armed with a Pikachu. Notable mentions include the Japan fans' many and varied outfits.
Vibrating from the Bass
Poor Thierry Henry, just trying to commentate the World Cup without being subjected to imagery of Alexi Lalas's "nether regions." Lalas was very excited by the opening ceremony in Los Angeles ahead of the USA's match against Paraguay, loudly telling the Fox Sports panel: "I thought that was awesome. My nether regions are still vibrating from the bass." Henry couldn't hide his reaction.
'Grey Card Again'
This one is even funnier in original Spanish: "Ay no, tarjeta gris otra vez." Whether this dog was actually at the World Cup, where only service animals are allowed, is besides the point. We fell in love with the Brazilian supporter when it went viral for its confused look over the colour of a card.
Merlín the Duck Rides Mexican Wave
In a battle between the meme mascots of this World Cup, points go to Merlín, the Mexican duck, who stole hearts with his confident waddle and silly little jersey. Merlín became a folk hero and met with Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, as the co-hosts rode a wave of momentum to the last 16. But like his side, he was unable to go as far as hoped, barred from attending Mexico's later matches.
Harry Kane and an England Curse
Ghanaian witch-doctor Nana Kwaku Bonsam, the self-described "most powerful spiritualist in the world," had Harry Kane in his grips during England's 0-0 draw with Ghana. Bonsam claimed to have put a non-violent curse on the English captain. Thankfully, Kane was released from it soon after, but that didn't help England against Argentina.
'England Historically Struggled'
Speaking of England and Ghana, American commentator John Strong delivered an all-timer on a Fox Soccer broadcast during their match in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where he observed England "historically struggled." The American revolutionary war reference did not go unnoticed.
A Three-Match Ban
If you hadn't heard of 36-year-old Themba Zwane before the World Cup, you have now. The South Africa midfielder not only earned a red card in the first game of the tournament but delivered a generational meme with the profound shock of his reaction. He may have got a three-match ban, but Zwane's legacy lives forever.
Unexpected Blockbusters
A real joy of this World Cup has been the showdowns you don't see coming. Morocco versus Haiti was one—an unexpected, action-packed game that saw Morocco sail into the last 32 with a 4-2 win. In the words of one internet user: "The Haiti second goal was so perfect to watch I forgot I was Moroccan."
A Disturbing Monument to Messi
This may transcend memes. Over in Patagonia, Argentinians unveiled a new 85-foot statue of Lionel Messi midway through the tournament. The monument speaks for itself, drawing reactions for all the wrong reasons.
The (Endless) Viking Row
Norway's fans have never met a surface they can't use for a "Viking row." They seemed everywhere this World Cup: bobbing up on escalators, spinning around suitcase conveyors, planted in city streets, celebrating each win or the team's return home.
The Three Lions Stare Down the Azteca
How do you sum up England's victory against Mexico? A player got a yellow card and was stretchered off the pitch, neither of which occurred during gameplay. Kane's voice after the game sounded as if he was channelling Terry Jones acting as an angry mother in the Life of Brian, even while describing Jordan Henderson's dramatic fall. Mexico's head coach Rafael Márquez let out expletives, then cackled.
Erling Haaland Doing Anything
Erling Haaland is fast. Erling Haaland is strong. Erling Haaland likes a $750 taxidermy raccoon? Few have united the internet like Norway's striker, whose looks and expressions have been compared to a spring onion and Dragon Ball Z, and whose bromance with Jude Bellingham has warmed the cockles of even the most cynical football fan's heart.
Victoria Beckham Unbothered
Victoria Beckham could barely contain her emotion when Jude Bellingham scored for England in extra time against Norway. Sadly, her facial expression was quite akin to Mick Jagger when England finally fell to Argentina.
Hydration Breakdown
Nothing has drawn so much universal frustration this World Cup as the mandatory hydration breaks—three-minute pauses in each half, regardless of temperature, presumably for FIFA advertising revenue. They did pose a new opportunity for memes, and nothing brings people together more than shared hatred.
Already feeling sad that the World Cup is almost over? There's so much more to look forward to as the tournament grows. Hopefully by then, Turkey will have figured out the difference between Australia and Austria.
