As World Cup fans across the globe found out about U.S. culture, they reminded the U.S. just how much soccer — or football, if you prefer — means to the world.
From the iconic orange-colored fan base (not to be confused with the Syracuse Orange) of Netherlands to Norway partisans flooding Times Square in New York, World Cup fanfares have not disappointed. Unfortunately, some of the beloved fanbases, such as Scotland’s Tartan Army, had to say goodbye before the knockout stage began.
As the knockout rounds begin, which fans should you look out for?
Goodbye, Scotland
At least Scots got to catch some games at the ballpark before they left.
They also made the atmosphere at Fenway Park one to remember.
But as the knockout stage is already upon us, which World Cup fans will show up in the biggest way?
Brazil
Boasting more success than any other country at the World Cup, Brazil fans always show up in droves, wearing their yellow and green, as you can see in this video when they took over Times Square.
Ahead of Brazil’s knockout match win over Japan on Monday, Brazil fans filled parts of Houston.
This was the atmosphere of the stadium.
Maybe the fans should be thanked by the team for providing such an advantage in the team’s win against Japan.
Norway
Some of the most beloved fans are known for their iconic “Viking row.” Norwegians rode an escalator sitting down, acting as the Vikings of old, to “power” the escalator to the top. It’s a sight you may not see again in the U.S.
Like the Scots, Norway fans had to attend a baseball game while in New York.
And of course, they had to stop by Times Square while in New York to do a massive group Viking row.
Maybe not the most relaxing yoga experience, but how could the Norwegians resist?
Norway’s first knockout match begins Tuesday at 11 a.m. MDT versus the Ivory Coast.
Netherlands
The Dutch have arrived in America. As if any soccer fanbase was hard to miss, the bright orange color the Dutch fans wear makes them the most noticeable fanbase of any. Especially when you see them jumping up and down and side to side.
Here is a scene of the fans taking over in Kansas City.
Even NFL quarterback Jameis Winston couldn’t resist joining the Oranje Army when he got the chance.
The Netherlands knockout stage match is against Morocco on Monday at 7 p.m. MDT.
Colombia
In Mexico City, Colombians filled the stadium to cheer on their squad to a victory and nearly filled all the seats with yellow.
The passionate fanbase surprised many with how many seats they filled, but perhaps none were more surprised than popular YouTuber Speed, who is a Portugal fan, when they matched up against Cristiano Ronaldo’s squad to determine the group’s top spot.
“The whole stadium is Colombian,” he said to his phone. “This is crazy. The whole stadium is yellow.”
Colombia plays Ghana Friday at 7:30 p.m. MDT.
Argentina
Rallying behind the one many crown as the greatest player ever, Lionel Messi, Argentina fans have shown their passion repeatedly, giving them one of the best reputations in the World Cup.
They even turned the passion into returning a missing wallet to its rightful owner. The fans lifted the wallet in the air and shouted the owner’s name until they located him.
Argentina faces tournament darling Cape Verde on Friday at 4 p.m. MDT.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde watch parties were celebrated hard after the team managed to draw all three matches in group play and secure its spot in the knockout stage. Some fans even brought out a goat in the country’s first World Cup appearance.
Cape Verde fans received some love from the players as they celebrated with each other following its knockout stage qualification.
In Brockton, often called Cape Verde’s 11th island, the streets became a scene as the community celebrated the improbable bid. While their showing at the stadiums may have been relatively small, perhaps the knockout stage will attract more Cape Verdean fans.
Cape Verde matches up with Argentina Friday at 4 p.m. MDT.