The FIFA World Cup has many ways to make a country famous when it is successful. It’s about scoring a timeless goal, giving a goalkeeping masterclass, or having a star player become a meme.
But in 2026, if the world is like this, even a losing team can gain a reputation just for being kind, like cleaning the locker room, bringing a box of desserts, or leaving a thank you note. Call it the Ted Lasso World Cup.
Case in point: Jordan’s first World Cup appearance ended on June 22 with a 2-1 loss to Algeria. However, the team exceeded expectations in the tournament. A video posted by FIFA shows Jordan’s locker room clean, with thank you notes, gifts and Jordan candy left for stadium staff.
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It was the team’s first appearance at the World Cup, but they lost to Austria and Algeria, ending their hopes of advancing to the final round. Still, they took the time to wish America a warm farewell.
In his message, Jordan thanked everyone involved for what made it “truly unforgettable” and praised the “dedication, professionalism and warm hospitality” he received.
The winner may also be the subject of discussion during the post-game courtesy. After a 4-0 victory over Tunisia in Mexico on June 20, the Japanese national team cleaned up the locker room with a message of gratitude.
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Meanwhile, Japanese fans took thoughtfulness to the next level. After a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in Texas on June 14, social media was flooded with videos showing Japanese fans staying behind to pick up trash. The idea is to collect cups, wrapping paper, and trash into blue plastic bags before taking them home.
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No matter how sweet the World Cup is, it is clear that Japan will be the winning team. Fans have been cleaning stadiums for years, dating back to 1998, when Japan first played in the World Cup. Fans cleaned their section after Japan defeated powerhouse Germany at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. After the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador, some people came to clean up even though Japan was not participating.
The reason for this is expressed in a popular Japanese proverb: “Leave no trace.” This roughly translates to “the bird leaves nothing behind.” (Or, as they say on the trails, “leave no trace.”) At this World Cup, the gesture was also assisted by New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston, who was helping with the cleanup while wearing a blue Japan shirt with his name on the back.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the Iranian team expressed their gratitude despite reportedly being forced to hastily leave the United States and return to their cross-border base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, after the game. Some Iranian aid staff and officials have not been able to enter the country at all.
Still, after goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made seven spectacular saves and a 0-0 draw with Belgium at SoFi Stadium, Iran wrote a letter thanking LA for their hospitality and the Iranian fans who gave their “heart, voice and soul” in the team’s first two games.
“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed for honor, and left with dignity,” the memo said.
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Now that we know that gestures like this can go viral online like a great goal, will more teams bring their A-game of civility to the 2030 World Cup, which will be held simultaneously on multiple continents for the first time?
As Ted Lasso would say, “Believe.”
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