Japan’s World Cup Party Turns to Heartbreak as 2026 Semi-Finals Are Set
Japan’s fanatical supporters stole the show at the 2026 World Cup with viral celebrations, but their tournament ended in crushing defeat as England and Argentina advanced to the semi-finals.
The World Cup, now in its final week, has delivered a rollercoaster of emotion. Early in the tournament, Japanese fans became global sensations, with one supporter shouting to a TV camera, "Texas is good, everything is big," capturing the exuberant mood [198719]. Fans dressed in sombreros and Mario costumes filled the streets, tossing each other into the air and line dancing with Dutch supporters [198719]. For a moment, it seemed Japan’s fans were the undisputed stars of the tournament [198719].
But the celebration did not last. Heartbreak soon followed as Japan was eliminated [198719]. The tournament’s final four are now set after thrilling quarterfinal matches saw England defeat Norway and Argentina beat Switzerland [195529]. England’s victory was driven by standout player Jude Bellingham, whose performance has become a central talking point [195529]. The semifinals are now set for a high-stakes finish to the competition [195529].
Across the globe, the tournament has become a local event. NPR member station photographers captured fans gathering in unexpected places—outside stadium gates, on street corners, and in public parks and squares—to celebrate the global event [198544]. World Cup fever even hit No. 10 Downing Street, where mania spilled outside the UK Prime Minister’s residence [196235].
Meanwhile, a spectacular drone show in New Jersey previewed the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, with hundreds of synchronized drones forming soccer balls and stadium outlines over MetLife Stadium, a key venue for the tournament [197952].