Source: Radio New Zealand (world)
‘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.
Copyright © 2026, Radio New Zealand
• Authorities warn of World Cup ticket, merchandise scams
10:02 am today
Fraudsters are exploiting interest in the 2026 World Cup with a barrage of scams, as authorities and researchers caution against fake websites selling phantom tickets.
Authorities warn of World Cup ticket, merchandise scams
Authorities warn of World Cup ticket, merchandise scams
Fraudsters are exploiting interest in the 2026 World Cup with a barrage of scams, as authorities and researchers caution against fake websites selling phantom tickets.
• FIFA bans vuvuzelas from World Cup stadiums
9:56 am today
The horns, made with a long plastic shell, are a staple of South African soccer matches and took the world by storm at the 2010 World Cup.
FIFA bans vuvuzelas from World Cup stadiums
FIFA bans vuvuzelas from World Cup stadiums
The horns, made with a long plastic shell, are a staple of South African soccer matches and took the world by storm at the 2010 World Cup.
• Underdogs and overachievers – the All Whites at the World Cup
5:15 am today
The All Whites squad is being described as our best ever – in spite of a horrendous loss in a first-up friendly.
Underdogs and overachievers – the All Whites at the World Cup
Underdogs and overachievers – the All Whites at the World Cup
The All Whites squad is being described as our best ever – in spite of a horrendous loss in a first-up friendly.
• Family concerned for West Papuan woman taken to Jakarta after appearing in film
• Fiji detectives investigating joint task force raid after death
• Pacific leaders at Tokyo summit say ocean management is a matter of survival
for ad-free news and current affairs
Top New Zealand Stories
• Iwi owing DOC $2m in campground revenue welcomes external review
• Hundreds trade tents, cars and overcrowded houses for warm, stable homes
• Nazi party records released online shatter German family myths
• Report on disability healthcare access won’t lead to change, advocates say