Iran

Football fever runs wild in Iran, where the sport reigns supreme. It’s the most popular game in the country, leaving other sports in the dust. The Iranians have been kicking it since the ’60s, participating in Asian championships and even clinching the tournament in 1974, 1976, and more.

They made their World Cup debut in 1978 and have qualified five times since then. For the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the country perhaps hoped to see women in support like this girl did in Russia in 2018. Despite failing to advance past the group stage, they defeated Wales by two goals.