11 global recipes for your World Cup watch party

02 Jul 2026

Journalist

From France to Brazil, via Mexico, Canada and Argentina: 11 easy-to-prepare dishes to turn every match into a culinary journey to share

The World Cup is much more than just a sporting competition. It’s about evenings spent on the sofa with friends and family, excitement, predictions and matches that can keep even the most casual fans glued to the screen. And just as football has the power to bring together people from different cultures, languages and countries, food often does the same.

Every national team brings with it a history of traditions, ingredients and recipes that reflect regional identity. Throughout the tournament, we’ve been following national teams from all over the world, discovering not only their footballing skills but also their culinary traditions. Whether your team – or the one you’re rooting for – is still in the running or has already bowed out, these recipes will let you continue the journey, savouring the dishes and stories that each country has brought to the World Cup.

From Argentine empanadas to Brazilian coxinhas, via Mexican tacos, British fish and chips and French croque-monsieurs, here are some easy-to-make recipes to help you organise a World Cup-themed watch party and cheer on your team with something tasty to eat.

Argentina – empanadas

If you’re rooting for the reigning champions, the Albiceleste, what could be better than empanadas to enjoy whilst watching the match on TV? For a simple version, make a filling with minced meat, onion and spices to taste, wrap it in discs of pastry and bake the empanadas in the oven until golden brown. You can make them in advance and reheat them a few minutes before the match kicks off.

Fun fact: every region in Argentina has its own take on the recipe, with slightly different fillings and shapes.

A man holding an empanada and a glass of water.

Brazil – coxinha

History, myth, legend: the Seleção has always attracted fans from far beyond its own borders, and always will. The perfect snack to enjoy whilst watching their exploits is coxinha: make them by preparing a batter made from stock and flour, stuffing it with cooked, minced chicken, coating it in breadcrumbs and deep-frying it until golden brown.

Fun fact: according to legend, the recipe was created in the 19th century to satisfy the craving of a young Brazilian prince who was particularly fond of chicken thighs.

Canada – butter and maple syrup popcorn

This host nation is easily honoured with the most classic of sofa snacks: popcorn. To make it truly themed, dress it with melted butter and finish with a splash of maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Mix well and leave to cool for a few minutes before serving. To add a special touch, sprinkle over some coarsely chopped toasted pecans.

Fun fact: Canada produces around 70% of the world’s maple syrup, with Québec being the main production area.

A bowl of butter and maple syrup popcorn.

England – fish and chips

They may have invented football, but there’s still only one star on their shirts: will 2026 be the year they add to their trophy haul? The proper way to support the England team is to tuck into fish, breaded and fried, served with chips. Serve it with tartare sauce or lemon mayonnaise and you’ll make all the difference.

Fun fact: during the Second World War, fish and chips was one of the few foods not subject to rationing in the UK.

France – mini croque monsieur

Whilst Les Bleus’ victories on the pitch are certainly no surprise, the croque monsieur is also one of the great classics of French cuisine. Originating in Parisian bistros in the early 20th century, for your watch party, use slices of sandwich bread with cooked ham and cheese (Gruyère or Emmental), cut them into four squares, sprinkle some grated cheese on top and bake them in the oven until golden brown. Serve them hot, straight from the oven.

Fun fact: the name ‘croque monsieur’ literally means ‘Mr Crunch’, a reference to the characteristic sound the crust makes when you bite into it.

Germany – pretzels with mustard and sausages

Regardless of results, Germany remains one of the most iconic national teams in world football, just like the pretzel is in its cuisine. To make the most of every minute of your watch party, warm up some readymade pretzels and serve them with cooked sausages and a mild mustard or tartar sauce with chopped gherkins, all arranged on a large chopping board.

Fun fact: according to one of the most widespread legends, the pretzel originated in the Middle Ages. Its shape is said to represent the crossed arms of monks during prayer.

Pretzels and sausages and mustard on a silver platter.

Mexico – tuna tacos

There’s a real desire to do justice to Mexico, as one of the three host nations, but their tacos are simply perfect for an evening watching any match on TV. Warm the maize tortillas and fill them with raw (blasted) tuna, avocado, red onion, coriander and a few drops of lime juice.

Fun fact: the origins of tacos date back several centuries, and the maize tortilla remains one of the cornerstones of Mexican cuisine to this day.

Morocco – vegetable couscous

Morocco is once again proving to be one of the most exciting national teams. And what better dish than couscous to enjoy their exploits? Simple and practical, prepare it by cooking the couscous according to the packet instructions and toss it with courgettes, carrots, chickpeas and onion, quickly sautéed in a pan with extra virgin olive oil, cumin and a pinch of cinnamon. Finish with chopped fresh parsley.

Fun fact: in 2020, couscous was added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage as a symbol of conviviality shared by several Maghreb countries.

Norway – rye bread canapés with marinated salmon and aromatic herbs

Led by their talisman Erling Haaland, Norway continues to give their opponents a run for their money in international competitions. Thanks to the sweltering weather, the nation’s signature ingredient – salmon – is a must for making open sandwiches with slices of rye bread, a thin layer of cream cheese or salted butter, thinly sliced marinated salmon, and finally dill, chives, lemon zest and a grind of black pepper.

Fun fact: Norway is one of the world’s leading producers of salmon, and this fish is one of the country’s finest culinary specialities.

Rye bread canapés with marinated salmon and aromatic herbs.

Spain – tortilla and pan con tomate

After a slow start, Spain continues to thrill its fans. Few combinations capture the essence of the country quite like the tortilla de patatas and pan con tomate. Make a tortilla using pre-boiled potatoes and eggs, cut it into cubes and serve it with slices of toasted bread topped with grated tomato, extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt.

Fun fact: the tortilla is considered one of the country’s national culinary symbols, and every Spanish family has its own version of the recipe.

United States – chicken wings

As they prepare to host the tournament final, the United States wants to show the world that there’s more to them than just basketball. Honour the second host nation with chicken wings: crispy, flavourful and easy to share. To make them, simply season the wings with paprika, garlic powder and pepper, coat them in flour and fry until golden brown. Key tip: heat the oil to 150°C, but don’t go any higher or you’ll ruin the final result. Alternatively, use an oven or an air fryer.

Fun fact: the famous Buffalo wings originated in New York State in the 1960s and are now popular throughout the country.