The Brazil team transcends international borders. In every edition of the , the Seleção are cheered on by passionate fans from all four corners of the world. This phenomenon can be seen on a significant scale in far-flung places such as Bangladesh, Lebanon, India, Pakistan and Jamaica, where thousands of fans fill the streets and hospitality venues, united by their passion for the iconic yellow jersey.
Non-Brazilians adopting the Seleção had already gained significant traction during the FIFA World Cup 2022™ in Qatar, a country that attracted large numbers of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi workers. And it is happening again in 2026, with social media filled with viral videos documenting the phenomenon.
This is particularly notable in Bangladesh, a country that has never competed in a FIFA World Cup™ and ranks 181st in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking. After the Tigers of Bengal fell at the first hurdle in their attempt to reach football’s biggest stage, Bangladeshis have taken to the five-time world champions as if they were their own national team. Shanur Rumen, a Bengali photojournalist who now lives in Brazil, explains the origin of this cultural connection.
“Bangladesh’s love affair with Brazil goes way back,” Shanur explained to FIFA. “Players such as Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar have won the hearts of many generations. Brazil stands for beautiful football, and this love is passed down from fathers to their children.”
In fact, football was the driving force behind his decision to emigrate to South America. He explained: “My love for Brazilian football brought me here. I’m a sports journalist and I always dreamt of showing Brazilians how much we Bangladeshis adore the Seleção. I’m here to tell these stories and bring the two countries closer together through football, and show that, even though they’re so far apart, both are united by the same passion.”
The love for the Seleção can be seen in other countries, and for different reasons. In Lebanon, for example, support for Brazil is rooted in a strong emotional bond stemming from the history of immigration between the two nations.
These cultural ties are strengthened by globalisation. Even though Brazil have not claimed FIFA World Cup™ glory since 2002, the non-stop conveyor belt of Brazilian talent keeps fans interested.
Sources: FIFA Official
