The 7 Team Chants to Know Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Not all chants are as well-received. 2026 World Cup Host Mexico is known for its controversial “¡Eh, Puto!” chant during opposing goalkeepers’ kicks. The country has the cleaner and renowned “Ay, ay, ay, ay” chorus from the song “¡Cielito Lindo,” that happens throughout matches. If you plan to root for a specific team in 2026, knowing its chant is key to partaking in the madness at pubs, stadiums, or even in living rooms. Each qualifying team has a chant.

Argentina team chant

Originating in the 1970s and gaining widespread popularity during the 1978 World Cup, the “Vamos, Vamos, Argentina!” chant embodies the relentless spirit and noisy enthusiasm of Argentine fans, who are known for creating a festive, sometimes chaotic, atmosphere in stadiums. In recent years, the anthem “Muchachos, ahora nos volvimos a ilusionar” (“Boys, now we can hope again”) has become especially prominent, particularly during Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign. This song references national icons Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, historic victories, and the enduring hope of fans for World Cup glory

Mexico team chant

“¡Cielito Lindo” is easy to remember and, if you’ve been in a stadium after a Mexico victory, nearly impossible to forget. Rooted in a 19th-century folk song, the lyrics have become an unofficial anthem for Mexico, uniting fans in both moments of triumph and adversity. The chant’s most recognizable refrain, “¡Ay, ay, ay, ay, canta y no llores!” (“Sing and don’t cry!”), is especially prominent at World Cups and major tournaments, where thousands of voices join in, making it one of the most iconic sounds associated with Mexican football. Keep your ears peeled for “¡Eh, Puto!” however.

Iran team chant

“Iran, Iran, Iran” is a common refrain among Iranian soccer fans, and you’ll certainly hear it at the 2026 World Cup. In addition to the classic “Iran, Iran, Iran,” fans have used other popular chants, including “Iranians with honour, Iranians with pride,” which is sometimes employed to counter or silence protest chants in the stands. In recent years, especially during periods of political unrest, some fans have used the stadium as a platform for protest, chanting slogans like “Ali Karimi” in reference to the outspoken former footballer, or expressing support for the “women, life, freedom” movement.

Japan team chant

The Japanese are rigid and organized, and that extends to cheering for the national soccer team. “Nippon Ole” is the most common signature cheer during national team matches. “Nippon” is the Japanese word for Japan, and “Ole” is a celebratory exclamation borrowed from Spanish, widely used in global football culture Alongside “Nippon Ole,” chants like “Vamos Nippon” and “Nippon cha cha cha” are also commonly heard, each reinforcing a sense of national identity and collective encouragement for the team. The “Nippon Ole” chant, in particular, has become an enduring symbol of Japan’s football culture.

Canada team chant

The Canadian soccer chant “Allez Les Rouges!” has become a defining rallying cry for supporters of the Canadian men’s national team, affectionately known as “Les Rouges” due to their red uniforms5. Borrowing the French phrase “Allez” (meaning “Go”), the chant translates to “Go Reds!” and is typically sung to the familiar tune of “Ole, Ole, Ole.” It’s a nod to the bilingual Canadian culture, and a catchy chant that’s easy to remember.

New Zealand soccer chant

</centerNew Zealand fans, known as the “All Whites” supporters, often chant “Kiwi, Kiwi, Kiwi!” to show their support. While not as globally recognized as powerhouse chants like Argentina’s, these chants tend to draw parallels with the famous “All Blacks” haka in rugby, which N-Zed certainly has the chops to back up.

USA soccer chant

The USA fans chant “I Believe That We Will Win!” has become synonymous with U.S. soccer fandom. Originating from the Naval Academy Preparatory School in 1998, it gained nationwide popularity during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, largely propelled by the supporters’ group, The American Outlaws. Its simple, call-and-response structure—building from “I!” to the full phrase—makes it easily adoptable, fostering unity among fans. This chant has transcended soccer, becoming a broader symbol of American sports enthusiasm.