football fans around the globe go wild

From chants to costumes to clever displays of national pride, football fans show their love for the sport

It is not easy putting into words the intense passion that football (or soccer in the USA) fans feel for their sport, so we put it into photos. As Visa heads into the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 this month with new ways to pay for fans at the event, we captured the spectacular pride shown by the eight nations competing this year. May the best footballers win, sure, but for fans showing their true spirit for the game, victory is just part of the fun.

FIFA Confederations Cup 2017

As Visa heads into the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 this month with new ways to pay for fans at the event, we captured the spectacular pride shown by the eight nations competing this year.

Australia

Green and gold scarves will be front and centre as Australia takes on the current world champions Germany at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017. Expect fans to chant their favourite battle cry – a classic: “Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!” – every goal they get.

Mexico

Wrestling is Mexico’s second favourite sport, so it’s no wonder you’ll often see the lucha libre mask as the country’s favourite – and some of the same theatrics from ring to stadium. Bonus points for fans wearing them in the colours of the Bandera de México.

Germany

By winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Germany secured its spot at the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017. Fans from the stands and around the world will wear flag colours from head to toe in the form of Viking hats, boas, face paint, wacky glasses and more. Actual flags will wave as they chant "Oh wie ist das schon" or “how beautiful this is”.

Chile

“CHI! CHI! CHI! LE! LE! LE! Viva Chile” was heard from fans all over the world when Chile beat Argentina in 2015, scoring a ticket to this year’s Confederations Cup. Red shirts are big, Chilean flags are even bigger, and pisco and face paint are often must-haves to gear up for any major match.

Russia

Expect to see plenty of tricolour flags in white, blue and red in the stadiums of this year’s Confederations Cup host (and next year’s World Cup host). Russians will likely show grand displays of fan pride from the stands, including painted game faces and plays on traditional dress, like this fan’s Russian "kokoshnik".

Portugal

Portugal’s flag can often be seen gracing a crowd of cheering fans likely shouting “Portugal, Portugal, Portugal!” Portugal beat France in 2016 to score its first major international tournament trophy. The win also earned Portugal its first Confederations Cup ticket.

Cameroon

Fans of Cameroon will go all out in green, red and yellow face paint, flag capes and traditional African handicrafts. The French Chant de Ralliement was certainly heard in 2017, when Cameroon scored its Confederations Cup ticket.

New Zealand

New Zealand fans show their national pride in the guise of the national bird, the Kiwi, while others go the way of the haka. This traditional Mãori war dance has made its way from ancient battlefields to the modern football pitch and represents pride, strength and unity.

football fans around the globe go wild

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