Travelling England fans also make the list…
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Courtesy of FIFA, displayed here in chart form by journalist Vala Afshar, are the nine countries at this summer’s World Cup with the most travelling fans.
(Tickets sold to Brazilians are not included.)
9) Mexico – 33,694 tickets
Mexican fans will be delighted with their decision to travel from Central to South America – having seen their side win two of their three matches, and hold host nation Brazil to a 0-0 draw already.
8) France – 34,865 tickets
The 34,865 French men and women who’ve watched Brazil so far have been served a real treat. Karim Benzema and co. have thrashed Honduras and Switzerland, scoring eight goals in the process.
7) Chile – 38,638 tickets
Another team that have rewarded their travelling supporters, Chile will play the host nation Brazil in the last 16 after progressing through Group B.
6) Australia – 52,289 tickets
Amazingly, only five nations sent more fans to Brazil than the Australians! The Socceroos are geographically very far away from Brazil, and combining this with the fact football isn’t their first sport, and the fact their team isn’t very good – just makes this even stranger!
5) Colombia – 54,477 tickets
Due to their close proximity, it was easy for Colombians to make the short trip to Brazil. Impressively, they’ve won both their matches at a canter so far, with James Rodriguez the star in Falcao’s absence.
4) England – 57,917 tickets
England fans have as much reason to be upset as any other nation. Travelling all the way from Europe, Roy Hodgson’s outfit lost two of their first two matches – and play Costa Rica this evening with nothing at stake, while their minnow opponents have qualified for the last 16.
3) Germany – 58,778 tickets
One of the favourites for the World Cup, Germany opened up their campaign in style by battering Portugal 4-0, and are expected to progress knowing a draw against the USA will see them safely through.
2) Argentina – 61,021 tickets
Argentina have won their opening two matches of the World Cup, with superstar Lionel Messi so far bagging two sensational winning goals. Their 61,021 fans will withhold their excitement though until the latter rounds…
1) United States – 196,838 tickets
Amazingly, over three times more fans of the United States have travelled to Brazil than any other nation on the planet. Perhaps fittingly, their side has paid back some of the unexpected faith, and only needs a draw against germany to progress. Could this be the start of the USA becoming a true footballing superpower?
