The World Cup isn’t just played on the field; it’s also experienced in the streets, in the stands, and, above all, on social media.
As with every edition, the 2026 World Cup is treating us to fascinating stories that are stranger than fiction. From anonymous heroes who become superstars overnight to unusual superstitions and epic drinking binges at local bars.
If you’re looking for the behind-the-scenes side of the tournament, here are the five craziest and most curious things the World Cup has given us.
1. The former taxi driver who dashed Spain’s hopes and took Instagram by storm
No one expected a 0-0 draw between Cape Verde and a Spanish national team valued at over $850 million. The man most responsible for this feat was Josimar “Vozinha” Dias, a 40-year-old veteran goalkeeper who became a veritable wall with seven decisive saves.
The story of “Vozinha” (a nickname he earned as a child because he used to run and hide with his grandmother) is straight out of a movie: before making his professional debut at age 25, he juggled soccer with driving a taxi and working as an electrician. Before the tournament, his transfer value at GD Chaves in Portugal’s second division was just $53,500. Today, giant murals of him line the streets of Praia, and his Instagram following has skyrocketed from 50,000 to over 15 million.
2. Merlín: The Mexican duck with the soul of a fan
Forget about traditional brand-sponsored mascots. In Mexico City, the real celebrity heading to “El Tri” matches is a two-year-old duck named Merlin. Impeccably dressed in a customized Mexican national team jersey, this peculiar bird strolls through the iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes, drawing crowds of admirers. His charisma has turned him into a viral sensation on TikTok and Instagram, blending cuteness with soccer fever and establishing him as Mexico’s most beloved unofficial ambassador.
3. The Scots Leave Boston Without Beer
The famous “Tartan Army” (Scottish fans) arrived in the United States thirsty for victory—and, quite literally, thirsty for beer. During their first few days in Boston, the Europeans drank so much that they left iconic bars like the White Bull Tavern and the Samuel Adams Downtown Boston Taproom completely dry.
To put it in perspective: in just four days, they drank more than 3,000 glasses, quadrupling the volume of a typical holiday weekend. Bar employees said sales far exceeded those on St. Patrick’s Day. The situation was so extreme that the Boston Beer Co. had to make emergency deliveries by truck to replenish 70 empty kegs.
4. The Viral Miracle That Took Tim Payne to Paraguay
The power of the internet at its finest. Tim Payne, a defender for the New Zealand national team, went from being a low-profile player for the Wellington Phoenix to a digital superstar, jumping from 4,700 to nearly 6 million followers. The reason? A massive viral campaign orchestrated by Argentine influencer Valentín Scarsini (“El Scarso”).
This massive media boom, combined with his strong performance as a starter in the 2-2 draw against Iran, caught the attention of Paraguay’s historic Club Olimpia. The “Decano” paid nearly $500,000 to sign him ahead of the Copa Sudamericana and the coveted 2027 Copa Libertadores.
5. The Relentless “Rocky Curse” in Philadelphia
The iconic statue of Rocky Balboa has become soccer’s new big taboo. Ahead of their match against Ivory Coast, Ecuadorian fans staged a spectacular “banner display” on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Someone had the idea to dress the statue in “La Tri’s” jersey, forgetting the city’s supposed sports curse. The result on the field? They lost 1-0 to the Ivorians.
The lesson spread like wildfire throughout South America. Days later, Brazilian fans held their own celebration at the same spot before playing against Haiti. Aware of the curse, they made sure not to bring their green-and-yellow gear near the boxer; instead, they strategically placed an Argentina jersey on him to try to “outwit” their archrivals.
