The FIFA World Cup 2026 is officially underway, and fans around the globe are already caught up in the excitement. This edition is especially historic, as Mexico, the United States, and Canada are sharing hosting duties for the first time.
With 104 matches and 48 national teams competing, World Cup fever has spread across every corner of society. It’s a time for celebration, for embracing the thrill, the uncertainty, the joy of a spectacular goal, and the dream of lifting soccer’s most coveted trophy.
Members of royal families around the world are no exception. Whether they’re watching from the stadium stands or from their royal residences, they’re proudly cheering on their national teams, just as they have during World Cups past.
England is the birthplace of modern soccer. In 1863, London’s Football Association established the first unified set of rules for the sport, laying the foundation for the game we know today. It’s no surprise, then, that the British Royal Family embraces soccer with genuine passion.
Although England has tasted World Cup glory only once, in 1966, the royals remain steadfast supporters of the national team, even when it means enduring the infamous “penalty curse.” As the English saying goes: “If it goes to penalties, turn off the TV and spare yourself the heartbreak.”
© Jean CatuffeThis year, Spain hopes to recapture the magic of its 2010 triumph in South Africa, when Vicente del Bosque’s squad defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in the final. After that historic victory, King Juan Carlos hosted the players at the Royal Palace.
© Juan Naharro GimenezOne particularly memorable image showed Princesses Leonor and Sofía, whose parents were still the Prince and Princess of Asturias at the time, wearing red team jerseys as goalkeeper Iker Casillas offered them the World Cup trophy. Leonor beamed with delight while Sofía gently reached out to touch it.
© PoolFor the defeated Dutch side, the mood was very different. Then-Queen Beatrix traveled to Johannesburg to support her team and struggled to hide her disappointment. In fact, she reportedly couldn’t bring herself to applaud when Spain lifted the trophy, a somewhat undiplomatic moment in a royal box. According to reports, King Juan Carlos later spoke with her to offer some consolation.
© MADS CLAUS RASMUSSENThen-Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima Zorreguieta also wore their emotions on their sleeves. Dutch media closely followed the future king’s visible frustration over several missed opportunities by Arjen Robben. Máxima, who was born in Argentina, was equally disappointed, yet she set an example of good sportsmanship by composing herself and congratulating the Spanish delegation with a smile. The gesture earned widespread praise.
Of course, Máxima has experienced her share of soccer joy as well. Her beloved Argentina has won the World Cup three times, in 1978, 1986, and most recently in 2022, when Lionel Messi led the team to victory over France in one of the tournament’s most unforgettable finals.
© Koen van Weel – PoolRecently, King Willem-Alexander revealed on his podcast that he and Máxima have a standing agreement: whenever the Netherlands faces Argentina, Máxima supports the country she reigns over. If Argentina isn’t playing the Dutch, both cheer for the Albiceleste. That agreement was put to the test during Qatar 2022, when Argentina and the Netherlands met in the quarterfinals. The match went to penalties, with Argentina prevailing 4-3. This time, however, no iconic photos emerged, as the royal couple watched the game privately.
After a 28-year absence, Norway has returned to the World Cup in 2026. One major reason is Erling Haaland, the prolific striker who has become one of European soccer’s biggest stars. Standing nearly 6-foot-5, blessed with remarkable speed and extraordinary scoring ability, Haaland has earned the nickname “The Cyborg.”
© Rune Hellestad – CorbisWhile Norway’s royal family generally maintains a low profile when it comes to sports, this year’s tournament has sparked renewed enthusiasm. Crown Prince Haakon has openly embraced his role as a devoted supporter of the national team. Last November, he attended Norway’s qualifying match against Estonia alongside King Harald, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and Prince Sverre Magnus. He also traveled to Milan to watch Norway face Italy. When Norway officially secured its World Cup berth, Haakon joined the players in the locker room, celebrating with songs and dance.
Jordan, meanwhile, has qualified for the World Cup for the first time in its history. Queen Rania and King Abdullah II, a longtime sports enthusiast, celebrated the achievement with unmistakable pride. The atmosphere resembled a nationwide celebration, and both shared emotional messages on social media.
© NurPhoto“The beginning of a new Jordanian dream! Congratulations to Jordan’s national team on qualifying for the World Cup. We couldn’t be prouder of you.”
King Frederik X of Denmark is also known for his love of soccer. Long before ascending the throne in 2024, he regularly attended national team matches. His mother, Queen Margrethe II, shares that passion and has often sent official messages of encouragement before major tournaments.
One of the family’s most memorable soccer moments came during the 1998 World Cup, when members of the royal family congratulated the Danish squad after its historic run to the quarterfinals. They’ve also stood by the team through difficult moments, including the shocking collapse of Christian Eriksen during UEFA Euro 2020. Then-Crown Prince Frederik visited the team and publicly expressed his support and solidarity, a gesture that resonated deeply throughout Denmark.
© Richard PelhamDespite all the enthusiasm of the Danish royal family, Denmark failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup. Perhaps next time.
For Belgium’s royal family, soccer remains one of the country’s great unifying passions. No one is surprised to see the royals passionately supporting the Red Devils. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde rarely miss opportunities to cheer on the national team, and cameras are always quick to capture their reactions, from moments of pure exhilaration to visible frustration.
© ERIC LALMANDDuring Russia 2018, King Philippe closely followed Belgium’s remarkable campaign, which ended with a third-place finish, the nation’s best World Cup result to date. After the tournament, he formally welcomed the players and congratulated them personally. Stars Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne were among those in attendance.
© John Giles – PA ImagesThe ball is already rolling, and anticipation continues to build as the world’s attention turns to soccer’s grandest stage. For fans and royals alike, the dream of World Cup glory is very much alive.
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