Which World Cup Team Is Your Uni City?

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In case you hadn't noticed, the football World Cup is back and in full swing. With 48 teams battling it out across three countries over five weeks, there's plenty of action to get involved with outside of England's games.

But when you're tuning into clashes like Saudi Arabia v Uruguay at 2am, it's not always obvious who to back. So who should you root for as your adopted second country?

We've asked our UniHomes Content Ambassadors to pair their uni cities with World Cup 2026 countries based on vibes – see if you agree with their picks!

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Which World Cup team is your uni city?

If you're a London student...

Support Brazil 🇧🇷

According to our London writer Sophie, London and Brazil are more alike than you might first think:

"First of all, the vibe: Brazil is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world, similarly to London being the most diverse city in England. Both places are filled with residents of different races and ethnicities.

"London and Brazil are also both known for their iconic landmarks and booming tourism. Some notable landmarks in London include Buckingham Palace, Globe Theatre, Tate Modern and the Tower of London, whereas popular landmarks in Brazil include the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain and Iguazu Falls.

"Both places are also home to iconic carnival events that attract millions of attendees annually. Not to forget that both England and Brazil have both been World Cup winners before, so it would only make sense for London to be matched with a winning team."

Or Spain 🇪🇸

Sophie explains why Spain is also perfect for London students, especially considering both teams' World Cup track records:

"Food is a big deal in both places. Spain is famous for its culinary traditions such as paella and tapas, and London is known for its booming food scene with globe-trotting restaurants and stalls situated across all sectors of the city.

"Similarly to London, football is also widely celebrated in Spain which is home to one of the biggest football clubs in the world, Barcelona FC. For many residents in either place, football is integrated into their lives, whether it be as a hobby or an event whenever a big match is on TV. Not to forget, Spain had also won the World Cup once back in 2010 just like England did in 1966. Both did it once, but it was iconic."

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If you're a Birmingham student...

Support Australia 🇦🇺

Birmingham student Tamara has strong opinions on the similarities between Birmingham and Australia:

"If Birmingham was a World Cup team, it would undoubtedly be Australia. Not only does Birmingham boast a vibrant nightlife, but the University of Birmingham’s campus is also surrounded by plenty of green spaces. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the campus feels less like ten minutes from the UK’s second-largest city and more like a peaceful part of the Australian outback.

"Australia is often considered an underdog on the international stage, frequently outperformed by other countries in the World Cup. Likewise, Birmingham is frequently dismissed, and other hotspots in the country like London and Manchester often take centre stage. However, the city is full of surprises, energy, and opportunities for students and professionals alike.

"Birmingham, like Australia, is friendly, diverse and exciting. Birmingham exceeds expectations and, much like the Socceroos’ impressive start to the world cup tournament, continues to prove it deserves far more recognition than it currently gets."

If you’re a Leeds student...

Support Brazil 🇧🇷 

Here’s why our CA Emily thinks that Leeds and Brazil are one and the same:

“Leeds reminds me of Brazil because it's impossible to have a boring time there. It's colourful, lively, welcoming, and always seems to have something going on. From the packed beer gardens in summer to the nightlife, festivals, and sporting culture, Leeds has a contagious energy that draws people in. Like Brazil, it's a place where people know how to have a good time.”

Or the Netherlands 🇳🇱

Got a personal vendetta against Brazil? Then maybe the Netherlands is the right team for you:

“Leeds and the Netherlands have more in common than you'd think, as they're both known for doing things their own way and having a vibrant social scene. Whether it's Leeds' independent bars, thriving music scene, or large student population, there's an energy that feels very Dutch: laid-back on the surface but always buzzing underneath. They're also both places that people visit for a weekend and end up wanting to stay much longer.”

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If you're a Sheffield student...

Support Argentina 🇦🇷

Sheffield writer Lucie's argument for why Argentina and Sheffield are the perfect pair is pretty convincing:

"The summer of football and beer-garden goals has arrived and the students of Sheffield will be heading to the big screen World Cup viewings at places like the Nursery Tavern, Springvale Tavern, BOX Sheffield, Riverside Kelham, and pretty much any pub you can think of in the city. But which World Cup team is Sheffield?

"Obviously, Sheffield sits in the heart of England, but that doesn’t mean we can’t carry characteristics from other countries. I would argue the city of Sheffield best fits the vibe of Argentina.

"For example, Argentina’s famous hiking trail to climb Fitz Roy mountain is pretty much on a par with a trek to the top of Conduit Road, and basically anywhere in Sheffield is the equivalent to the mountain climb with all our hills.

"In addition, Argentina takes great pride in their diverse and extensive culture of music and art, and we all know Sheffield’s indie music and art scene is its big selling point to students seeking out an artistic city. Whilst we may not have Lionel Messi playing in our corner, the teammates of Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United are arguably just as good for our Steel City."

Or the USA 🇺🇸

For those who prefer the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern, Lucie also thinks that Team USA is great match for Sheffield:

"Another potential match could be the United States. Whilst the US is obviously much larger in size to Sheffield, they are the third biggest steel producer in the world, and the biggest steel producer of the countries participating in the 2026 World Cup.

"Therefore, as the infamous ‘Steel City’, Sheffield definitely matches some of the USA's characteristics, what with our history of thriving steel production."

If you're an Edinburgh student...

Support Argentina 🇦🇷

Take it from Edinburgh student Madelaine – Edinburgh and Argentina have the same energy:

“Argentina is known for producing brilliance on the world stage, and so is Edinburgh. When the festival season comes around, the whole city transforms into a whirlwind of performances and creativity. There is an undeniable sense of pride that runs through both Argentina and Edinburgh, and Edinburgh residents love their city just as much as the people of Argentina love their football. Both places are filled with rich histories, strong identities and a tendency to leave a long lasting impression on visitors.”

Or Japan 🇯🇵

If you think that Argentina couldn't possibly win the World Cup for a fourth (!) time, Madelaine also rates Japan:

"Edinburgh and Japan are both organised, respectful and quiet, as well as impressive – both always deliver greatness to unexpected levels. Edinburgh's historic streets and preserved architecture (which blends well with modern student life) similarly reflects Japan's balance of history and innovation.

"Just like Japan's calm and understated demeanour at the World Cup at first, both Japan and Edinburgh surprise visitors with how much more there is to unveil beneath the surface. As you spend more time in Edinburgh, you will discover a city packed with culture, hidden gems and efficiency."

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If you're an Oxford student...

Support the Netherlands 🇳🇱

Our Oxford Content Ambassador Heather reckons that Oxford and the Netherlands have a lot in common:

"I would pair Oxford with the Netherlands as they are both known for their strong intellectual reputation and have global influence through their universities. Oxford and the Netherlands’ cities also have striking architecture and love their bicycles, with the streets constantly packed."

If you're a York student...

Support Egypt 🇪🇬

This might seem like a rogue choice, but York student Cailin explains her reasoning for comparing York and Egypt pretty well, if you ask us:

"Pairing York with a World Cup-contending country proves tricky, but not for the reason you imagine. As a university city, York is one of the most versatile in the UK, offering night life, wildlife, ancient history and a booming LGBTQ+ and cultural scene. But if we were to encapsulate York as a concept I would highlight one recurring motif that you can spot all over the city: cats.

"Cats embodied the dual nature of deities within ancient Egyptian myth – this, paired with the intersection of Egyptian and Roman history, makes Egypt a surprisingly apt representative of York."

Or Mexico 🇲🇽

Not a cat person? Then maybe Mexico is a better shout:

"If we focus more on ghosts and folklore, Mexico and York match well because of Mexico's Aztec history and spiritual traditions surrounding the afterlife and the hundreds of paranormal sightings throughout York’s extensive timeline."

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If you're a Bournemouth student...

Support Spain 🇪🇸

Our Bournemouth CA Gabriella assures us that Bournemouth and Spain are basically twins:

"With 7 miles of sandy beach and a wide variety of entertainment and hospitality, Bournemouth shares clear characteristics with Spain’s coastal destinations. In the summer months, thousands gather along the seafront to catch a tan, relax and enjoy the atmosphere, a sight that could easily be mistaken for the likes of Benidorm. With a cold drink in hand, it is easy to forget that you are in the UK.

"Pop-ups such as El Murrino Beach Bar & Restaurant echo the energy of an Ibiza-style hotspot, although the reality feels slightly different on a cold, windy summer day. Like Spain, Bournemouth offers both laid-back relaxation and opportunities to let your hair down."

Or Brazil 🇧🇷

If you fancy supporting an even bigger team this World Cup, Gabriella also recommends 5x winner Brazil:

"Bournemouth’s personality is energetic and social, much like Brazil’s vibrant culture. The town comes to life in the summer months, with locals, students, and tourists alike venturing out for beach gatherings or nights out. There is always something happening, making it fairly hard to stay bored.

"Whilst Brazil is known for its show-stopping carnivals and football events, the Bournemouth 7s Festival held in the summer similarly brings together sport, music, and celebration. Just imagine muddy fields replaced by a roaring, packed stadium instead!"

If you're a Coventry student...

Support South Korea 🇰🇷

Coventry writer Isabelle has some pretty strong opinions on why Coventry and South Korea are a match made in heaven:

"Known for its booming motor industry and deep connections to music, South Korea is a perfect match for Coventry. Two-tone music was born in Coventry and has had a lasting impact on modern music, similar to the recent rise of K-Pop music.

"Even the track records in football match up. Like Coventry City, South Korea has experienced ups and downs the last few years in football, but their qualification to the World Cup this year had fans cheering – just like our Sky Blues finally qualifying for the Premier League."

Or Belgium 🇧🇪

Not sure about South Korea's odds? Isabelle also reckons that Belgium is worth supporting:

"Both underrated and lovers of footie, Belgium and Coventry are more alike than they may seem. Belgium and Coventry City may not be at the forefront of the football world, but both are consistently competitive and have huge support from their fans.

"Belgium isn't among the largest countries in Europe, like how Coventry is often overshadowed by nearby second-city Birmingham with its more well known universities and nightlife, but both have huge histories and often surprise footie fans with long-awaited comebacks."

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If you're a Brighton student...

Support Cape Verde 🇨🇻

Brighton student Shiqin feels there's a sense of kinship between Brighton and Cape Verde:

"Here in Brighton, the streets are currently alive with World Cup enthusiasm; this passionate spirit could be aligned with the enthusiasm that we’ve seen with Cape Verde.

"Our city is smaller in comparison to the big cities of the UK like London and Manchester, but Brighton carries its strong passion for life in the Lanes and its parks, pubs and seafront venues which many walk past and call home."

Or Brazil 🇧🇷

If you don't fancy Cape Verde's odds, then Shiqin also thinks that Brazil is a good match for Brighton:

"Brighton is also full of vivid and colourful energy that could rival Brazil, a World Cup participant known for its music, creativity, and a joy for life that’s encapsulated as well by its beaches, food and culture.

"In Brighton, walking around the seafront, especially during the late evening sunsets one can see every bit of detail that makes here an incredibly exciting place to exist in, every street one walks down provides possibility for discovery of something new that gives this city its personality."

If you're a Nottingham student...

Support England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Someone was bound to pick the Three Lions at some point or other; here's Nottingham writer George's reasoning on why Nottingham students should England:

"Nottingham is a city that lives and breathes sport, from its football clubs to the huge student turnout for varsity and local sporting events.

"Like England, Nottingham is proud of its traditions while constantly reinventing itself with a diverse, youthful population. The football heritage and sense of community make England a natural World Cup match for Nottingham."

Or Japan 🇯🇵

For all those pessimists out there who don't think England will take the crown, George also recommends Japan:

"Nottingham and Japan share a balance of tradition and innovation. The city is famous for its historic landmarks and legendary Robin Hood story, while also being home to a large student population and modern developments.

"Much like Japan’s disciplined approach to football, Nottingham combines respect for its history with an energetic atmosphere that attracts people from around the world."

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If you're a Bristol student...

Support Australia 🇦🇺

We have another Australia fan with Bristol student Evie, who thinks that Australia and Bristol are the perfect match:

"Australia could absolutely represent Bristol in the World Cup.

"Both have a vibrant fitness and café culture, both sport a laidback lifestyle culture with particularly friendly residents, and both are also very focused on maintaining wonderful outdoor spaces, with beautiful parks such as Brandon Hill and the Durdham Downs across Bristol. Lastly, both have a vibrant music and art scene."

Or the Netherlands 🇳🇱

Depending on how Australia fare, Evie reckons that Bristol students could also support the Netherlands:

"Bristol and the Netherlands could be seen as one of the same! Netherlands' beautiful canals are similar to both the River Avon and the communal hub of Harbourside, which incorporating nature into beautiful architecture.

Next, there’s a great cycling culture shared between both, with bikes being the choice way to get around for the Dutch and Bristolians. Both are also incredibly progressive and politically active.

"Lastly, both cities are incredibly artistic. The Netherlands has over 120 art collections and is known for some of history's most influential painters such as Rembrant and Van Gogh. Bristol is also known for its vibrant graffiti scene, especially across Stokes Croft, and its artistic culture is celebrated across UpFest, Europe’s largest street art festival."

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This post is part of the UniHomes Content Ambassador programme, where current students across the UK share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. Like these guides? Add UniHomes as a preferred source in Google with just one click by checking the box to see more expert content from our student writers!

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