The World Cup’s latest viral trend is surprisingly wholesome
The FIFA World Cup has plenty of ways to make a country famous when they succeed: a goal for the ages, a goalkeeping masterclass, or a star player turning into a meme.
But in 2026, with the world the way it is, even losing teams can go viral simply by being nice — cleaning up their locker room, bringing a box of desserts, or leaving a thank-you note. Call it the Ted Lasso World Cup.
Case in point: Jordan’s run at their first World Cup ended June 22 with a 2-1 loss to Algeria. But the team left more than their tournament hopes behind. A video posted by FIFA shows Jordan’s dressing room spotless, with a thank-you note, gifts, and Jordanian sweets left out for the stadium staff.
You May Also Like
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
The team was making its World Cup debut, and after losses to Austria and Algeria, its knockout hopes were gone. Still, they took the time to wish the U.S. a warm goodbye.
In the message, Jordan thanked everyone involved for a "truly unforgettable one," and praised the “dedication, professionalism and warm hospitality” it had received.
Winners can go viral for post-game courtesy too. After their 4-0 win over Tunisia in Mexico on June 20, team Japan left its locker room spotless, along with a thank-you message.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Japanese fans, meanwhile, took thoughtfulness to the next level. After their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in Texas on June 14, social media was full of videos featuring Japanese fans staying behind to pick up litter — gathering cups, wrappers, and trash into blue plastic bags before taking them away.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Japan would clearly be the team to beat in any World Cup of sweetness. Fans have been cleaning stadiums for years, going back to Japan’s first World Cup appearance in 1998. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, fans cleaned their section after Japan beat the mighty Germany. Some even came to tidy up after the tournament opener between Qatar and Ecuador, despite Japan not even being on the field.
The reason is expressed in a popular Japanese proverb “tatsu tori ato wo nigosazu,” which roughly translates to “birds leaves nothing behind them.” (Or as we say on the hiking trail, "leave no trace.") At this World Cup, the gesture even got an assist from New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston, who was seen helping clean in a blue Japan shirt with his name on the back.
Meanwhile in Los Angeles, the Iranian team extended its gratitude — despite being allegedly forced to leave the U.S. in a hurry after its games and return to base camp across the border in Tijuana, Mexico. Some Iranian support staff and officials haven't been able to enter at all.
Still, following a 0-0 draw with Belgium at SoFi stadium, with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand making seven spectacular saves, Iran wrote a note thanking LA for its hospitality, and Iranian fans for giving their “heart, voice and soul” during the team’s first two matches.
“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity,” the note read.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Now that we know such gestures can go as viral online as a great goal, will more teams bring their politeness A-game to the 2030 World Cup — which will, for the first time, be held on multiple continents at once?
As Ted Lasso might say: Believe.
Olivia Tauber is the deputy editor of digital culture, covering creators, media, movies, beauty, and more. Based in New York, her work has appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, The Cut, Teen Vogue, Complex, and Interview Magazine. She holds a Master's degree in Journalism from NYU and a Bachelor's from the University of Michigan. She also runs Fan Mail, a weekly pop-culture newsletter.
