'Brazil fever' hits Port Vila ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

about 1 hour ago

'Brazil fever': Football fans in Vanuatu have lined up along the roadsides in the capital, Port Vila, donned in Brazil's national team colours.

Photo: Screengrab / Vanuatu Daily Post

With just a week to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, football fans in Vanuatu have lined up along the roadsides in Port Vila, dressed in their favourite national team colours for the global event.

It is part of a FIFA World Cup Parade on Friday.

While local football fanatics are showing their support for their favourite teams, supporters of South American football powerhouse Brazil have taken the limelight.

Local media are describing enthusiasm from supporters of the five-time world champions "Brazil fever" taking over in the nation's capital.

The Vanuatu Daily Post reports that stores in the CBD are running out of Brazilian flags.

"Shop owners say demand for Brazil flags has surged over the past few days, leaving shelves empty in several stores. The shortage highlights the strong support for the five-time world champions among football fans in Vanuatu," the newspaper reported.

The outlet said thousands of Ni-Vanuatu are expected to take part in today's parade.

Vanuatu's men's national football team has never gone past the Oceania qualifying stage for the FIFA World Cup.

Football's pinnacle event will kick off next Friday, with hosts Mexico taking on South Africa.

The New Zealand All Whites will represent the Oceania region at the event which is being jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The All Whites are in Group G, alongside Belgium, Egypt and Iran.

Meanwhile, the Vanuatu men's national team is set to host Fiji for a two match international friendly in Port Vila.