As the World Cup enters its decisive final stages, Dragonpass is urging fans to expand their matchday rituals beyond the pitch and onto the plate, highlighting how the remaining nations offer a rich culinary journey alongside the on-field drama.
With eight teams still in contention, the global travel and lifestyle benefits platform – which serves more than 40 million members worldwide – has unveiled its “World Cup Food Countdown”. The concept pairs each nation with a signature dish designed to reflect its culture, flavour and footballing identity.
From refined European classics to deeply spiced North African staples, the curated list showcases how international football can spark curiosity not only about teams, but also the traditions and tastes that define them.
France brings a sense of finesse to the quarter-finals with the croque monsieur, a quintessential bistro favourite layering toasted bread, ham, cheese and béchamel into a dish as composed as its national side. Morocco, meanwhile, delivers depth and warmth through chicken tagine, slow-cooked with spices, preserved lemon and olives to create one of the most evocative dishes still in play.
Spain’s tortilla española offers a simple yet sociable option for match night, its combination of potato and egg making it ideal for sharing. Belgium leans into its coastal heritage with moules-frites, pairing mussels and fries in a brasserie-style staple that feels both relaxed and unmistakably continental.
Norway introduces a more traditional, hearty note with fårikål – a comforting lamb and cabbage stew that contrasts with the summer heat of the tournament. Closer to home, England’s ever-reliable fish and chips remains a matchday favourite, particularly for fans seeking something familiar and crowd-pleasing.
Argentina’s empanadas bring portability and variety, with fillings ranging from beef and chicken to cheese and vegetables, making them a natural fit for football gatherings. Switzerland completes the line-up with rösti, a crisp, golden potato dish that works equally well as a side or centrepiece.
Andrew Harrison Chinn, Chief Marketing Officer at Dragonpass, said the campaign reflects the growing connection between football and travel experiences.
“The World Cup has a unique way of turning countries into conversations. Fans follow the fixtures, but they also start thinking about the places, flavours and cultures behind the teams,” he said.
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“As the tournament narrows, there is a lovely opportunity to turn each match into a small travel moment, whether that means trying a dish at home, discovering something in a host city or building a pre-flight ritual around the game.”
As the road to the final intensifies, Dragonpass’ campaign serves as a timely reminder that the World Cup is as much about cultural connection as it is competition – with every match offering a chance to explore the world, one dish at a time.
