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Photos: What true die-hard football fans wear to the World Cup

How Japan shows up for a match.
How Japan shows up for a match.
Image: Reuters/Jorge Silva
By
Johnny Simon
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At the World Cup, there’s national pride, and then there’s national pride.

Since the championship began on June 14, soccer fans from around the world have been showing up to matches in outfits that go to extreme lengths to honor—and often lampoon—their own national symbols. As group play ends this week, many of the teams with the most spirited fans are heading home (so long Iceland and Senegal!). So here’s a look back at some of the best get ups.

Senegal fans, top, cheer during the group H match against Japan on June 24.
Senegal fans, top, cheer during the group H match against Japan on June 24.
Image: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko
A soccer fan poses for photos as he wait for the start of a match on June 25.
A soccer fan poses for photos as he wait for the start of a match on June 25.
Image: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini
Mexico fan inside the stadium before a match on June 23.
Mexico fan inside the stadium before a match on June 23.
Image: Reuters/Marko Djurica
A Japan fan on June 24.
A Japan fan on June 24.
Image: Reuters/Max Rossi
A Morocco fan inside the stadium before their match against Spain on June 25.
A Morocco fan inside the stadium before their match against Spain on June 25.
Image: Reuters/Fabrizio Bensch
A France fan with face paint inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Gleb Garanich – RC185D1980A0
A France fan with face paint inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Gleb Garanich – RC185D1980A0
Image: Reuters/Gleb Garanich
Fans inside the stadium before France’s match against Belgium on June 26.
Fans inside the stadium before France’s match against Belgium on June 26.
Image: Reuters/Gleb Garanich
An Iceland fan inside the stadium on June 26.
An Iceland fan inside the stadium on June 26.
Image: Reuters/Hannah McKay
A Colombia fan on June 28, but their match against Senegal.
A Colombia fan on June 28, but their match against Senegal.
Image: Reuters/Marcos Brindicci
Japan fans outside the stadium before their match against Poland on June 28.
Japan fans outside the stadium before their match against Poland on June 28.
Image: Reuters/Jorge Silva
Belgium fan holds up a cardboard cut out of the World Cup trophy inside the stadium before the match again England on June 28.
Belgium fan holds up a cardboard cut out of the World Cup trophy inside the stadium before the match again England on June 28.
Image: Reuters/Fabrizio Bensch
Brazil fans during their match against Costa Rica on June 22.
Brazil fans during their match against Costa Rica on June 22.
Image: Reuters/Marcos Brindicci
A Brazil fan celebrates a goal on June 22.
A Brazil fan celebrates a goal on June 22.
Image: Reuters/Sergio Moraes
Nigeria fans on June 22.
Nigeria fans on June 22.
Image: Reuters/Toru Hanai
Mexico fans before their match against Germany on June 17.
Mexico fans before their match against Germany on June 17.
Image: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach
A Tunisia fan on June 18.
A Tunisia fan on June 18.
Image: Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino
Egypt fans on June 15.
Egypt fans on June 15.
Image: Reuters/Damir Sagolj