Who should you support? A Rugby Fans' Guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup teams
Rugby NewsWednesday, 10 June 2026 at 21:00
defied the odds to make a historic, inspiring World Cup debut in 2023, tiny Cape Verde continuously punches well above its weight on the football pitch. Both teams prove that small-nation spirit can completely rewrite the global script.
Don't adjust your sets, this is a football article on none other than RUCK. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off tomorrow across Mexico, Canada and the USA, with the biggest ever soccer tournament set to dominate the airwaves for the next four weeks.
Whilst rugby fans tend to be open-minded enough to get stuck into the football festivities, a look at the incoming pool stages can seem a bit daunting, with 48 nations set to battle it out. A rugby fan who may have even a fleeting interest in the four-year football competition could feel overwhelmed, with so many minnow teams making their way out to the Americas.
So, in this article, we have made a handy guide to determine who you should be supporting at the FIFA World Cup, depending on where your current allegiances lie in rugby club and Test match games. From the international legacies of Brazil and Spain, to the new-coming nations of Cape Verde and Curacao, we've got you covered for the next month of football.
Whilst there is still plenty of rugby for fans to get stuck into this Summer, with the PREM, URC and Super Rugby finals followed by the first ever Nations Championship set to kick off in July, we thought to put together this handy guide. Here's who rugby fans should be supporting at the FIFA World Cup, based on their preferred rugby club and nation.
GROUP A
MEXICO: GEORGIA
Georgian rugby fans can really get behind co-hosts Mexico at the World Cup, as both nations face the exact same sporting bottleneck. Just as Georgia’s
Lelos continuously crush the Rugby Europe Championship but face a glass ceiling blocking them from the Six Nations elite, Mexico routinely dominate CONCACAF but suffers a psychological barrier trying to progress past the global Round of 16. Both teams share a fierce, home-grown passion while fighting to smash through continental limits.
SOUTH AFRICA: ARGENTINA
Fans of Los Pumas should back South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the 2026 World Cup, as both sides embody the ultimate passionate underdogs. Both overcame historical isolation to become world-class giant-killers, famously proven when South Africa shocked France at the 2010 World Cup and Argentina stunned the mighty All Blacks in 2020. Relying on homegrown grit, South Africa brings the exact same pride, defiance, and spirit to the football pitch as Los Pumas bring to rugby.
SOUTH KOREA: EXETER CHIEFS
If your an Exeter Chiefs fan, we appreciate how your immediate attention will be on the long awaited return to the PREM play-offs, but keep an eye on South Korea in the group stages. Both the Chiefs and South Korea share a 'started from the bottom' mentality, with Exeter climbing up from the Championship to become kings of Europe, and South Korea taking regional titles. Both thrive on an under-appreciated identity, and punch well above their weight on the biggest stages. Also, Heung-Min Son and Henry Slade both control the match with classy, masterful skill-sets to showcase the two top talents.
CZECHIA: BENETTON TREVISO
Never quite the first nation people think of when picking out dangerous teams to keep an eye on, but quietly improving every year. Czechia's rise through European football mirrors Benetton's steady climb from lovable underdogs to genuine contenders against the URC's heavy-hitters. Neither side receives the attention of their bigger neighbours, but both are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Both sides also have a handful of world-class talents, with Patrik Schick banging in the goals like Jacob Umaga.
GROUP B
CANADA: EDINBURGH
Always capable of producing world-class talent but forever living in the shadow of their noisy neighbours. Edinburgh fans can have a quiet appreciation of how Canada push for their place upon the global stage, yet have to fight to come out of the shadow of the United States - much like how Glasgow Warriors take the spotlight up in Scotland. Edinburgh fans will certainly appreciate Canada's blend of ultra optimism, heartbreak and occasional brilliance on the sporting stage.
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: ZEBRE PARMA
Passionate supporters that will follow the team everywhere they go, albeit whilst preparing themselves for an expected defeat. Both Zebre and Bosnia can produce flashes of quality, and have a a habit of making life difficult for their bigger opponents. Results don't always follow, but neutrals can't help wanting them to succeed, with target man Edin Dzeko none for his time in England with Manchester City, much like how Zebre playmaker Tomasso Allen grew to notoriety with Harlequins.
QATAR: SAITAMA WILD KNIGHTS
For our readers out in Japan, Wild Knights fans should back Qatar at the World Cup. Both sides represent the new age of modern, heavily manufactured sports engineering, away from century-old traditions. Instead, both Qatar and the Wild Knights have achieved continental championships through massive financial backing and state-of-the-art facilities. Money talks, and the 2022 World Cup hosts proved that they can also qualify for the biggest stage.
SWITZERLAND: MUNSTER
Munster Rugby fans should get behind Switzerland at the World Cup, as both teams share a legendary, uncompromising "giant-killer" DNA. With Xherdan Shaqiri and Jack Crowley taking the reins as the resident play-makers, both sides build unbreakable defensive walls and employ tactical discipline to suffocate opponents. Just as Munster’s European Cup folklore is defined by iconic, gritty upsets over international powerhouses, both teams embody pure defiance, punching well above their weight on the biggest stages. Also, Switzerland's flag is a big plus.
GROUP C
BRAZIL: WALES
With both nations boasting golden era broadcast across black and white TVs, Brazil and Wales both boast a history of arguable the finest ever assembling of players in a single squad, Wales fans of a certain vintage can draw comparisons to the Brazil of today, With the likes of J.P.R Williams, Barry John and Gareth Edwards on par with football's Pele, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto. With dwindling success since the 2000s, Wales and Brazil fans cling to the triumphs of yesterday, yet the future looks brighter with skillful wingers tearing down the touch-lines.
MOROCCO: NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
Northampton Saints fans should pick Morocco at the World Cup, as both teams are masterclasses in the modern sports renaissance. Rather than relying on outdated blueprints, both conquered their sports with breathtaking tactical flair and a core group of players that have grown up together.
Think how Fin Smith, Tommy Freeman and Henry Pollock bring the same attacking energy as Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, and Youssef En-Nesyri. The Premiership-winning Saints thrill rugby with high-octane play, the Atlas Lions bring explosive counter-attacks and technical brilliance to the football pitch. Both are proud glass-ceiling smashers redefining how the game is beautifully played.
HAITI: MOANA PASIFIKA
Whilst the future remains uncertain for Moana Pasifika, their fans should rally behind Haiti at the World Cup. Both teams embody the ultimate triumph of cultural pride over institutional adversity. Neither enjoys elite infrastructure; instead, they rely heavily on proud global diasporas to fuel their squads. Just as Moana Pasifika unites the Pacific Islands through raw passion and physical grit in Super Rugby, the Haitians overcome immense domestic hardships to bring defiant flair to the football pitch. Both play for a purpose far bigger than sport.
SCOTLAND: HARLEQUINS
Harlequins fans should turn their back on England at the World Cup, and instead get behind Scotland! Both teams are the undisputed kings of high-stakes sports chaos, with Quins being rugby’s resident entertainer, combining breathtaking attacking brilliance with spectacular defensive collapses, the Scots play an identical brand of unpredictable, yet unsustainable football. Driven by John McGinn, the tactical twin of Harlequins’ mercurial fly-half Marcus Smith, Scotland rejects rigid structures for pure, high-risk instinct. Both teams guarantee a wildly dramatic show every single time.
GROUP D
USA: ITALY
If your a fan of the Azzurri, then why not get behind one of the hosts for the World Cup this Summer? Italy and the USA have emerged as their respective sports' sleeping giants, with both teams entering golden eras. Just as Italy unleashed a thrilling best-ever generation to achieve their finest Six Nations campaign this year—headlined by a historic, first-ever victory over England—the Americans have traded old grit for dynamic, European-based attacking flair. Both represent ambitious nations fighting to shatter traditional sports aristocracies, with Tommaso Menoncello's midfield explosion akin to Christian Pulisic.
PARAGUAY: NEWCASTLE RED BULLS
Newcastle Red Bulls fans can find plenty of similarities behind their own team, and Paraguay at the World Cup. Both the former Falcons and the Paraguayans are sports' ultimate ever-present underdogs. Neither boasts flashy, expensive superstar rosters; instead, they survive on pure regional grit in their respective competitions. Newcastle plays the gritty northern spoiler designed to drag elite rugby teams into a physical arm-wrestle, Paraguay’s legendary defensive wall frustrates football’s heavyweights. Both represent the proud, unyielding anchors of their respective leagues.
AUSTRALIA: CONNACHT
Connacht fans should back Australia at the World Cup, as both teams are sports' gutsy outsiders. Just as Connacht fights for survival against wealthier provincial brothers and the popularity of GAA out in the West of Ireland, through a fierce, chip-on-the-shoulder culture, the Socceroos battle for domestic attention against dominant codes like AFL, Rugby League and cricket. Neither relies on flashy, elite rosters; instead, both conquer steep structural odds with high-intensity teamwork, with a handful of cult hero talents, with Connacht's Mack Hansen certainly backing the Socceroos this Summer.
TURKEY: BRISTOL BEARS
Bristol Bears should dig out the fez, and get behind Turkey at the World Cup, with both teams being their sports' ultimate high-octane enigmas. Fueled by passionate support, both boast enough dazzling, world-class talent to destroy any elite opponent. However, tactical consistency remains the missing ingredient for both teams. Just as Bristol can play breathtaking rugby yet suffer chaotic collapses, Turkey matches that exact same erratic energy—capable of ultimate glory or baffling defeats on any given day.
GROUP E
GERMANY: CRUSADERS
Germany at the World Cup and the Crusaders in Super Rugby, both represent the ultimate traditional empires. Built on an unyielding legacy of tactical ruthlessness and clinical execution, both organizations define the absolute standard of out-right winning. Just as Germany’s staggering four FIFA World Cup titles cement them as global football royalty, the Crusaders famously dominated the Southern Hemisphre by capturing seven straight Super Rugby championships.
Both teams are in the hunt for silverware in 2026, as Germany and the Crusaders possess an unshakable championship DNA that allows them to mentally dismantle opponents in knockout games, viewing anything less than a trophy as a failure.
CURACAO: FIJIAN DRUA
Fijian Drua fans can find plenty of reasons to back Curaçao at the World Cup, as both teams are the ultimate small-island fairy tales. Just as the Drua emerged to inject pure, joyful Pacific flair into Super Rugby, The Blue Wave made history as the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup. Coached by veteran Dick Advocaat, they combine Caribbean spirit with Dutch-based diaspora talent. Both play with infectious passion, ready to disrupt traditional giants on sports' biggest stage.
IVORY COAST: MONTPELLIER
Montpellier fans should enjoy watching Ivory Coast at the World Cup, as both teams are the bruising, erratic overachievers. Neither belongs to the traditional global aristocracy, yet both rely on immense physical power and a suffocating, forward-heavy style to bully flashier opponents. Just as Montpellier stunned French rugby by capturing the Top 14 title against the odds and cinched the Challenge Cup this season, the Ivorians are fierce tournament slayers capable of sudden, massive upsets.
ECUADOR: CARDIFF
Cardiff fans should back Ecuador at the World Cup, as the blue and blacks and South Americans are both experts in high-energy, hostile-ground specialists. Just as Cardiff uses the fierce atmosphere of the Arms Park and blistering backline pace to rattle wealthier rugby giants, Ecuador call upon their grueling high-altitude fortress and explosive athletic youth to terrorize South American powerhouses. Both punch way above their weight, relying on fearless, homegrown academy talent to out-work their way to victory.
GROUP F
NETHERLANDS: LEICESTER TIGERS
Beloved for their strategic approach and never-say-die mentality, there a plenty of comparisons to be made between the Dutch and Leicester Tigers. The Welford Road faithful should deck themselves out in orange this Summer, and support the methodical attack of a nation steeped in history.
With both teams sharing some of their sports all time greats, with Ruud Gullit and Martin Johnson going from on-field icons to pitch-side coaches and later TV personalities, both the Netherlands and Tigers are cut from very similar cloths. Whilst the odds aren't in their favour this year, you should never count out either side for a long run at the World Cup, or for qualifying for the upcoming PREM play-offs.
JAPAN: HIGHLANDERS
Having failed to reach the Super Rugby play-offs, Highlanders fans should instead back Japan at the World Cup. Both teams are masters of the high-tempo attack, with innovative sports artistry. Just as the Highlanders overcome physically massive Kiwi powerhouses by playing lightning-fast, expansive Super Rugby, the Samurai Blue use mesmerizing passing, rapid transition speed, and flawless discipline to slice through football’s heavyweight giants. Both teams reject traditional styles, relying instead on relentless work rates and pure, creative flair to entertain the world.
SWEDEN: GLOUCESTER
Gloucester fans should swap the Cherry and White for yellow and blue, as both Gloucester and Sweden represent proud, traditional sports heartlands currently fighting to reclaim their former glory. Just as historic English powerhouse Gloucester has taken a back seat to the soaring rise of local rivals Bath, Sweden is agonizingly overshadowed by Norway’s footballing boom.
Relying on fierce local passion and rugged, physical templates, both teams are desperate to smash through their current slumps. Now without long-serving stalwarts Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jonny May, both Sweden and Gloucester look for new points-scoring sources for the years to come.
TUNISIA: DRAGONS
Dragons fans should get behind Tunisia this Summer, as the Men of Gwent and the Eagles of Catharge are sports' ultimate hard-working, well-drilled underdogs. Constantly perceived as the weakest link in their respective regions—Wales and the ever-growing football landscape of North Africa - neither team boasts flashy, multi-million-pound superstar rosters. Instead, both survive on relentless tactical discipline, building frustrating defensive walls that force superior teams into ugly dogfights. Whilst fortunes are not expected to go their way, Tunisia leave it all on the line, like the Dragons in the URC.
GROUP G
BELGUIM: RC TOULON
With both Belguim and RC Toulon a step away from their former star-studded 'Galacticos' and 'Golden Generation', these two teams are all about the future. Just as Belgium’s legendary footballing era seen the likes of Eden Hazard move on, with the experienced heads set for one last hurrah, Toulon’s roster has shifted away from the mid-2010s mercenary giants. Yet, both remain dangerous heavyweights capable of deep tournament runs—proven by Toulon roaring back into the latest Champions Cup semi-finals. Guided by younger elite talent, Toulon fans should get behind Belguim this Summer in the Americas.
EGYPT: NAMIBIA
Namibia rugby fans should back Egypt at the World Cup, as both teams are the ultimate continental rulers fighting to end their shared global curse. Just as Namibia dominates the Rugby Africa Cup but famously struggles to secure an elusive first victory at the Rugby World Cup, seven-time African champions Egypt carry an identical burden on football's biggest stage. Powered by Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs represent the exact same absolute regional kings fighting to finally break their global spell.
IRAN: CASTRES OLIMPIQUE
Castres Olympique fans should get behind Iran, as both the Top 14 side and the Middle Eastern outfit are uncompromising, physical grinders. Rejecting flashy, expensive blueprints, both organizations thrive in turning matches into low-scoring arm-wrestles designed to completely break their opponents' spirit. Just as Castres plays a notoriously aggressive, forward-heavy style that frustrates rugby’s elite, Team Melli deploys an unbreakable defensive wall, that Lionel Messi only just managed to break down four years ago in Qatar. Both prove that pure, unyielding grit can rattle any giant.
NEW ZEALAND: PORTUGAL
Portugal rugby fans should back New Zealand's football team this Summer, as both teams are highly skilled sides fighting for oxygen in countries dominated by an opposing oval- or round-ball religion. Just as Portugal's Os Lobos captured global hearts with their brilliant, expansive rugby despite football's monopoly of Cristiano Ronaldo and co, the All Whites bring technical excellence to the pitch while living in the deep, dark shadow of the All Blacks. With four New Zealand teams populating the Super Rugby play-offs, someone needs to watch the All Whites this Summer, as the Kiwis will be busy back home.
GROUP H
SPAIN: NEW ZEALAND
We stick with the All Blacks fans, as after the Super Rugby play-offs are finalised, it's unlikley that the New Zealand men's team will still be in the World Cup. So, we think the New Zealanders should rally behind Spain, with plenty of similarities between the two sporting titans. Just as the All Blacks won back-to-back Rugby World Cups from 2011 to 2015 and established one of the greatest teams of all time, Spain lifted the 2008 European Cup, 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2012 Euros, one of the all time finest soccer sides.
However, both teams now find themselves ready to celebrate a new generation of talents, as the memories of Richie McCaw and Andres Iniesta have steadily faded over time. Spain currently boast some of the world's top young players in Lamine Yamal, much like how the All Blacks have witnessed Wallace Sititi rise to prominence. With historic legacies across their respective sports, the Kiwis should back Spain.
CAPE VERDE: CHILE
Chile rugby fans should get behind Cape Verde at the World Cup, as both nations are sports' ultimate boundary-breaking fairy tales. Just as Chile’s Los Cóndores
SAUDI ARABIA: KOBELCO KOBE STEELERS
Kobe Steelers fans can continue the celebrations from winning the Japan League One, by getting in support of Saudi Arabia at the World Cup. With some of the deepest pockets in the sporting world, both teams are traditional powers revolutionized by massive investment and elite global architects. Just as Kobe utilized heavy corporate backing to import legendary international masters like Dan Carter to reshape their rugby culture several years ago, Saudi Arabia transformed their footballing infrastructure with some of the world's biggest stars now heading to their league.
URUGUAY: ULSTER
Ulster Rugby fans should back Uruguay at the World Cup, with their shared, stubborn fight against regional giants. Just as Uruguay fiercely defends its legendary history of two early FIFA World Cups while battling powerhouse neighbors Brazil and Argentina, Ulster carries a proud 1999 European Cup legacy while pushing back against Leinster and Munster's rule over Ireland Backed by a steady, inspiring resurgence—proven by Ulster fiercely storming all the way into this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup final—both teams are explosive, elite underdogs on the verge of reclaiming their local throne.
GROUP I
FRANCE: SOUTH AFRICA
Whoever recieved the call to be supported by Springboks fans, certainly needs to be one of the front-running favourites for the 2026 World Cup. Such is the boundless passion of the South African supporters, who see nothing less than winning as a suitable outcome from the men in green and gold. France are certainly in the fold to win the tournament, with a decorated squad of the world's biggest stars mirroring the Bokke-to-Bokke World Cup winning Springboks.
With the likes of speedster strikers Kylian Mbappe and Ousmanne Dembelle emulated by Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, and the never-say-die enforcers of Ngolo Kante and Lucas Hernandez akin to Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth, Springboks fans should swap their braai for baguettes as France search to re-peat the heroics of their 2018 World Cup glory.
SENEGAL: CHIEFS
Fans of the Chiefs down in New Zealand should get backing Senegal at the World Cup, as both teams are progressing dynasties driven by a gifted generation of mesmerizing talent. Just as the Chiefs electrify Super Rugby through the dazzling, high-tempo playmaking of landmark star Damian McKenzie, Senegal’s historic rise has been spearheaded by Sadio Mané. Both teams seamlessly blend explosive, jaw-dropping flair with a fierce, deeply unified brotherhood, making them an incredibly dangerous force. Whilst the Chiefs chase Super Rugby glory in the play-offs, Senegal are out for a historic run at the World Cup.
IRAQ: BLACK LION
Black Lion fans should back Iraq at the World Cup, with their allegiances now split for the Georgian-Mexican association. Both Black Lion and Iraq are sporting symbols of unyielding resilience against steep structural odds. Neither organization enjoyed a wealthy, established history; instead, both forged elite level teams out of pure national pride and collective defiance. Just as Black Lion uses a fiercely combative, tight-knit squad to aggressively hunt down wins in the Challenge Cup, the Lions of Mesopotamia bring that same warrior spirit to the football pitch, despite their geographical disruptions.
NORWAY: LIONS
From one pride of Lions to another, we think the Lions of Johannesburg are the perfect match to Norway's long-awaited return to the World Cup stage. Much like how Ivan van Rooyen's Lions made their way to the top eight of the URC for the first time in their history, Norway have channeled immense pride for a return to the pinnacle tournament. Whilst full-back Quan Horn may not have the flowing long locks of Earling Haaland, the parallels are apparent between the two target men, who kick their respective teams into that extra gear.
GROUP J
ARGENTINA: FRANCE
With both Argentina's football team and the France rugby side led by a resident little magician, there are plenty of immediate comparisons to draw between these two titans of their respective sports. With the initial star power of Lionel Messi and Antoine Dupont, to the star-studded supporting cast of top class talents, there is ample reason why fans of Fabien Galthie's side should rally behind the defending FIFA World Cup holders this Summer. Both teams bring measured yet menacing attacking structures, that go from composed build up play to fast-flowing 'jouer' in the blink of an eye.
ALGERIA: QUEENSLAND REDS
After failing to progress beyond the Super Rugby Qualifying Finals for 2026, Queensland Reds fans should cast their attention towards Algeria at the upcoming World Cup. Whilst this feels like quite the long-reach on paper, the sides are the respective in-form sides of their regions, with the Reds leading Australia's efforts in Super Rugby and Algeria frequently cited as the best of the African teams. The Reds and Algeria share a high-octane attacking mind-set, that relies more on individual brilliance from Riyad Mahrez and Tom Lynagh to lead the teams forward, over any over-planned set-piece play.
AUSTRIA: OSPREYS
With their worries of liquidation now seemingly in the rear-view mirror, Ospreys fans have plenty to cheer and should get in voice behind Austria at the World Cup. The two teams are traditional powerhouses that are fighting their way back from a long, painful wilderness. Just as the Ospreys faded from their star-studded Celtic League winning era before launching a modern, gritty resurgence, Austria has shattered an agonizing 28-year World Cup absence to qualify. Both teams now rely on a collective, high-pressing work rate rather than individual superstars to prove they belong back among the elite.
JORDAN: MONTAUBAN
With little to no expectations on their shoulders, Montauban fans can take solice in backing Jordan at the World Cup. Just as Montauban routinely absorbs heavy batterings from France's rugby elite but keeps fiercely fighting on with unbreakable team spirit in the Top 14, Jordan enters their historic global tournament debut as a major underdog with nothing to fear. Free from the crushing pressure of heavy expectations, both sides rely on pure, stubborn defiance to weather the storm and shock opponents who dare to underestimate their heart.
GROUP K
PORTUGAL: SARACENS
Saracens fans have plenty of reason to back Portugal at the World Cup, as both are highly decorated empires that the sporting public simply loves to hate. Both teams built their golden eras around legendary elder statesmen who have won absolutely everything in the game - Portugal spearheaded by the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo, and Saracens anchored by the evergreen Owen Farrell. Relying on an unshakeable, clinical winning mentality, both teams tune out the outside noise to relentlessly deliver high-stakes tournament success.
DR CONGO: TOYOTA CHEETAHS
With uncertainty upon their backs and priding themselves on a nomadic approach, the Cheetahs fans should back DR Congo at the World Cup, as both are their sports' ultimate survivors, that have capitalised on expanded tournament horizons. Just as the Cheetahs floated between Super Rugby and the PRO14 before finding a vital home via invitations to the EPCR Challenge Cup, DR Congo has fought through structural limbo to steadily gain continental traction to reach the biggest ever World Cup. Neither team has a permanent global home, but both use expanded formats to unleash dangerous athleticism.
UZBEKISTAN: SCARLETS
Scarlets fans can find new favourites in Uzbekistan at the World Cup, as both teams are the 'nearly men' of sports heartlands. The Scarlets rely on thumping carries and 'up-the-jumper' phase play from a proud local culture, they battle the wealthy URC giants. Uzbekistan has overcome years of agonizing near-misses to finally secure their historic global debut at the World Cup, with plenty of trips back to square one to nail down the absaloute basics. Both teams embrace the templates over artistry, and bring immense national pride to their respective tournaments.
COLOMBIA: SHARKS
Fans of the Hollywoodbets Sharkas should back Colombia at the World Cup, as both teams know the plight of watching their star-studded juggernauts fail to convert their potential into consistent wins Just as the Sharks boast a staggering abundance of elite Springboks like Eben Etzebeth and Ox Nché, Colombia's footballing legacy is built on a history of dazzling superstars like James Rodríguez and Radamel Falcao. Having finally broken their trophy drought by capturing the 2024 EPCR Challenge Cup, the Sharks share Colombia’s exact explosive, high-octane DNA designed to conquer the world stage.
GROUP L
ENGLAND: LEINSTER
With a stacked roster of talent from across one of the best leagues in the world, England enter the 2026 World Cup as arguably one of the favourites. However, much like Leinster's recent form in the Champions Cup, England have fallen at the last hurdle in recent international tournaments, with defeats in the 2024 and 2022 European Cup finals. The dream stays alive, with 'It's Coming Home' set to ring out once again, as Leinster chasing down back-to-back URC titles, despite the agonizing wait for a fifth European star.
CROATIA: HURRICANES
Once the Super Rugby play-offs are decided, Hurricanes fans should then back Croatia at the World Cup, as both teams are ultimate hard-working engines driven by a collective, selfless brotherhood. Both also feature world-class talismans - Croatia led by Luka Modrić and the Hurricanes spear-headed by Jordie Barrett - yet neither man overshadows the team's immense work rate. Just as the Hurricanes historically struggled to capitalize on peak momentum against empires like the Crusaders, Croatia suffered that exact fate against France in 2018.
GHANA: IRELAND
As both nations share the gut-wrenching trauma of handballs—Thierry Henry in 2009 and Luis Suárez in 2010—and an agonizing quarter-final curse across both the football and Rugby World Cup, Ireland fans should get behind Ghana. While top-ranked Ireland dominates rugby, Ghana aims to match that elite status on the pitch. Armed with arguably their best-ever roster, spearheaded by Premier League stars Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Athletic Bilbao's Iñaki Williams, the Black Stars possess the exact explosive firepower to finally shatter their global ceiling, like how Ireland chase a first ever RWC.
PANAMA: PERPIGNAN
Perpignan fans should back Panama at the World Cup, as both are relentless underdogs completely accustomed to absorbing heavy thumpings from wealthy sports giants. Just as Perpignan braves a punishing budget deficit to fight off relegation massacres in France's Top 14, Panama routinely faces massive scorelines against elite football superpowers. Yet, neither team ever folds, with uncompromising physical grit to upset any complacent heavyweight who dares underestimate them.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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