As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets ready to start in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, national teams are showing off creative send-offs, exciting departures, and culturally significant preparations.
These moments have grabbed attention worldwide, mixing national pride, culture, and star power before the big tournament with 48 teams.
Here is a look at the top 10 most memorable visuals making waves.
1. Norway’s Viking Warriors
Norway’s comeback to the World Cup after 28 years kicked off with a Viking-themed photoshoot on a rocky beach near Oslo.
Photographer David Yarrow captured the team, featuring Erling Haaland with his flowing blond hair and an axe, and Martin Ødegaard, dressed in authentic warrior gear beside longships against a stunning fjord.
David Yarrow’s photo of the Norway World Cup team is called ‘The Vikings are Coming’ Credit: David Yarrow/Norwegian Football Federation
The image, titled “The Vikings Are Coming,” has gone viral for its cinematic feel and cultural depth.
2. Brazil’s Water Cannon Blessing
The Brazilian team had a traditional farewell at Galeão International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, where their aircraft was “baptized” before taking off.
The team flew on a Boeing 767-300ER operated by Aeronexus, showing off the branding of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
As the plane got ready to leave, two fire trucks created a water arch over the runway, letting the aircraft pass through the salute.
This ceremony is an old aviation tradition for special occasions. The water salute is seen as a blessing for the plane and its passengers, with many believing it brings good luck.
3. Turkey’s Big Farewell
Turkey made sure the national team had a memorable send-off as the players’ bus ride to the airport in Istanbul was followed by a convoy of over 100 cars decorated in national colors, with horns honking as they crossed the Bosphorus.
4. Japan’s Cowboy Welcome
Japan’s arrival in Mexico was celebrated with style as fans and locals gave the team cowboy hats while chanting and celebrating.
This fun cross-cultural moment captured the spirit of the multi-nation tournament.
5. Senegal’s Farewell Dinner
Senegal’s national football team held a goodbye dinner before heading to the World Cup in the United States.
The dinner happened on the pitch at the Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, where players, coaches, and staff gathered for a final send-off before the tournament.
6. Argentina’s Plane Design
In Argentina, the light blue and white plane carrying the team and Lionel Messi to Kansas City featured a special design for the Inter Miami star.
Its tail had his famous No. 10, while three gold stars on the fuselage represented the country’s three World Cup wins.
Even the plane’s “1978” flight reference paid tribute to Argentina’s first World Cup victory as hosts.
7. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana Send-Off
South Africa, set to play hosts Mexico on June 11, officially presented its national team, Bafana Bafana, with the flag during a farewell dinner at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.
President Cyril Ramaphosa called the team “our emissaries of hope and the standard-bearers of the national flag.”
Online videos suggesting Ramaphosa danced energetically with the team were later found to be fake, as they featured a lookalike.
8. Mexico’s Traditional Team Portrait
As co-hosts, Mexico released an official team photo showing players, staff, and management, reflecting national pride.
The image highlighted national colors and symbols, showing home advantage and football culture in the country.
9. France’s Presidential Send-Off
President Emmanuel Macron met Kylian Mbappé and the Les Bleus squad at Clairefontaine before they left for the tournament.
This meeting showed France’s status as one of the favorites and the country’s full support.
10. England’s Arrival in the USA
England, with stars like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham under coach Thomas Tuchel, arrived in Florida.
Photos from the airport and training ground showed focus and unity as the team settled into their pre-tournament camp.
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