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Blue wigs, face paint and bold team colors have been some of the defining fashion statements of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — with Japan’s supporters turning heads in the stands in particular.
Many fans from all over the world who have been packing stadiums across North America are embracing colorful hairstyles, face painting and elaborate outfits to cheer on their national teams. For supporters of Japan, bright blue wigs turned into one of the tournament’s most recognizable looks.
The Japan men’s national team is known as the “Samurai Blue.” Although the country’s flag is red and white, the team has worn shades of blue since the 1930s, according to reports.
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Today, the deep indigo color is closely associated with the team, inspiring many supporters to wear blue wigs, jerseys and face paint on game day.
The trend gained even more attention earlier this week after a blue-haired Japan supporter went viral following the team’s Round of 32 match against Brazil on June 29.
A supporter of Japan poses for a photo during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between the Netherlands and Japan at Dallas Stadium. (NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A video circulating across social media showed the fan cycling through a range of emotions while surrounded by Brazil supporters. The fan, later identified as Japanese streamer gamix.o7, appeared to laugh, cry and celebrate with rival fans after the final whistle.
He later said on social media that he’d accidentally purchased a ticket in the Brazil supporters’ section.
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The clip quickly spread across social media, with viewers focused as much on the fan’s animated reactions as they were on the interaction between Japanese and Brazilian supporters. (Japan lost to Brazil in the Round of 32 at Houston Stadium.)
“Bro just went through 13 different emotions in 20 seconds,” one viewer commented.
Many Japan fans have worn blue wigs to match the Samurai Blue’s iconic colors. (Anadolu via Getty Images)
Wearing a blue wig is a popular game-day tradition among Japan supporters. (Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Others praised the sportsmanship displayed in the stands.
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“What I have learned from watching these last few weeks of [soccer] is these fans have absolutely top-notch humor and sportsmanship. Every country has been fantastic,” another user wrote.
“They’re being good sports for the most part,” another commenter added.
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Some viewers even predicted the fan and his reactions would become one of the lasting memories of this year’s tournament.
“Something tells me we’ll see him again in the next World Cup, and we are all gonna remember … it,” one user wrote.
Many people applauded the sportsmanship and sense of humor shown by fans in the stands. (Anadolu via Getty Images)
Blue wigs aren’t the only creative way Japan supporters have shown their team spirit.
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Other videos from the tournament show fans waving bright blue trash bags in unison — creating a sea of the team’s signature color in the stands before kickoff.
The full schedule of FIFA World Cup games plus coverage and other details can be found on Fox News Sports.