South Africa, Spain, Belgium or Brazil? Who will be crowned the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions? Whether your team wins or loses, you can always find comfort in food. Inspired by 18 rival nations, these crowd-pleasing game day recipes will have you cheering them on match after match. Gather your mates, grab some beers and get ready for an epic showdown.
Tuck into these game day recipes.
Taste the Possibilities
One thing you can count on this World Cup is this winning round-up of game day recipes. With pork, the possibilities are endless. From Moroccan meatballs to Spanish tapas with smoked ham to Colombian-style chicharrones, there’s something to celebrate every nation.
The real kicker? Pork is one of the most economical proteins, making it ideal for entertaining. Tuck into these game day recipes – they are all strong contenders.
Mexico – Mexican-inspired Pozole
Nothing says ‘comfort’ like a big bowl of pozole! Make a big batch and invite friends and family over to watch the match. Everyone will be savouring this slow-simmered, spice-forward soup. Top with shredded cabbage, radish slices and coriander, and serve with toasted tortillas for a balanced bite.
Recipe for Mexican-inspired Pozole
South Africa – Pork Samoosas with Homemade Peach Chutney
Samoosas are the quintessential South African snack. These tasty deep-fried pockets of pastry will delight your taste buds, and then some. The pork mince is seasoned with garam masala, cumin and coriander. Elevate the flavours with a deliciously fruity and tangy homemade peach chutney. Cheers to an epic flavour pairing and football match!
Recipe for Pork Samoosas with Homemade Peach Chutney
South Korea – Korean BBQ Pork Bao
If you love a good handheld bite, these fusion buns are your dream come true. They bring together texture, freshness and flavour in one beautiful mouthful. Filled with tender pulled pork, fresh herbs and veggies, they are exceptional. Drizzle with a squeeze of lime and sriracha mayo for the best bite. Ideal for game days, this Korean BBQ recipe is absolutely sensational!
Recipe for Korean BBQ Pork Bao
Canada – Loaded Poutine with Pulled Pork & Bacon
Whether it’s half-time or crunch-time, this loaded platter will keep you calm, so long as you snack on. This revamped version takes everything you love about traditional poutine and ups the ante with garlicky gravy poured over crispy fries, chunks of melted mozzarella, pulled pork, crispy bacon bits and all. Mates will champion this moreish meal as the MVP.
Recipe for Loaded Poutine with Pulled Pork & Bacon
Brazil – Coxinhas (Brazilian Croquettes)
With five FIFA championship titles, Brazil always has its eyes on the prize. A classic Brazilian street food treat, coxinhas are the ideal game day snack. These teardrop-shaped appetisers are so good, they will make you cry. This version has pulled pork mixed with cream cheese – all encased in a crispy dough. Enjoy alongside herby garlic mayo and salsa.
Recipe for Coxinhas (Brazilian Croquettes)
Morocco – Moroccan-spiced Pork Meatballs on Hummus & Yoghurt
Spice up game days with these Moroccan-spiced meatballs. Plated on creamy hummus and herby yoghurt, and served with pillowy flatbread, it’s a flavour feast. The secret to making meatballs juicy is using pork mince; the fat-to-meat ratio ensures they are succulent. Garnish with mint, lemon zest, pomegranate seeds and toasted pine nuts for crunch.
Recipe for Moroccan-spiced Pork Meatballs on Hummus & Yoghurt
USA – BBQ Pork Belly Lollipops
Invite friends and family over for a cookout celebration with these incredible pork belly lollipops. Seasoned with paprika and glazed with homemade barbecue sauce, it’s spicy, smoky and seriously tasty. Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs for the ultimate meaty delight and give them a big ol’ bite. Absolutely delicious!
Recipe for BBQ Pork Belly Lollipops
Australia – Sweet & Sour BBQ Pork Ribs
Forget about ‘shrimp on the barbie’ and fire up the coals for these sweet-and-sour barbecue ribs. South Africans might be the best at braai, but our Aussie friends know a thing or two about grilling a rack of ribs. Tender, tasty, saucy, sticky and spicy, they are everything you want from ribs and more. Nothing beats this game day snack.
Recipe for Sweet & Sour BBQ Pork Ribs
Germany – Braaied Pork T-Bone with Mustard Butter & Pretzel Crumb
Germany’s football legacy is as solid as its comfort food. This pork T-bone is braaied to perfection, then loaded with mustard butter and a crisp pretzel crumb for that unmistakable German-inspired bite. With four FIFA World Cup trophies in the cabinet, expectations are high – and this dish absolutely meets them. Hearty, bold and made for game day.
Recipe for Braaied Pork T-Bone with Mustard Butter & Pretzel Crumb
Japan – Harumaki (Spring Rolls)
Whether it’s game day or any day, these spring rolls always have a spot on our snacks table. Filled with pulled pork, vermicelli and stir-fried veg, they are absolutely fantastic. The crispy, deep-fried pastry makes them a true textural treat. Dunk this awesome appetiser in gingery soy sauce and wash it down with a beer as you cheer on one of Asia’s top contenders.
Recipe for Harumaki (Spring Rolls)
Belgium – Mitraillette with Roasted Red Pepper Mayo (Pork Schnitzel Sandwiches)
Game day isn’t complete without the perfect sandwich. This one is a total knockout! Also known as the ‘submachine gun’, this sandwich is fully loaded. Stuffed with pork schnitzel, smeared with roasted red pepper mayo and studded with slap (soft) chips, it’s as iconic as Kevin De Bruyne’s track record.
Recipe for Mitraillette with Roasted Red Pepper Mayo (Pork Schnitzel Sandwiches)
New Zealand – Kiwi Burger Sliders
Kick off FIFA celebrations with these hunky sliders, topped with pickled beetroot slices and sunny-side-up eggs. Beetroot and egg probably aren’t your go-to burger toppings, but this classic Kiwi combo will win you over. Enjoy with crunchy fries and crisp craft beer as you watch the All Whites play.
Recipe for Kiwi Burger Sliders
Spain – Flamenquín (Crispy Ham & Pork Rolls)
Legendary in football and finger foods, no country does it like Spain. If you’re looking for tasty tapas to kick off game day, these flamenquín are clásico. Filled with tender pork chops, smoked ham and mozzarella, they ooze deliciousness. Serve alongside a simple leaf salad, and scream “Viva España!” as you munch your way through the game.
Recipe for Flamenquín (Crispy Ham & Pork Rolls)
France – Pork & Mushroom Vol au Vents
Treat your entourage to this classic French canapé. Spoonfuls of creamy pulled pork filling are encased in puff pastry cases, creating a delectable and dainty savoury delight. For a fancy football celebration, enjoy this sophisticated game day snack with Champagne and shout “Allez les bleus” (Go blues) as they score a goal.
Recipe for Pork & Mushroom Vol au Vents
Argentina – Pork Sirloin with Chimichurri
Football runs through Argentina’s veins, but so does a love of a good asado. Juicy pork sirloin, kissed by the flames and drizzled with punchy chimichurri, is the kind of feast that turns any match into an occasion. Home to three FIFA World Cup titles and some of the game’s greatest legends, Argentina knows how to bring the heat. Gather your crew and dig in.
Recipe for Pork Sirloin with Chimichurri
Portugal – Braaied Pork Trinchado
South African flair and Portuguese flavours come together in this classic dish with a tasty twist. The flame-grilled pork neck and bold, fiery sauce create an unmatched flavour. This revamped version combines everything that you love about it, but with a flavourful spin. Relish this cosy casserole with fresh Portuguese rolls and savour each bite.
Recipe for Braaied Pork Trinchado
Colombia – Crispy Chicharrones (Fried Pork Belly)
Colombian-style chicharrones are arguably the best. From the crispy crackling to the succulent pork belly, they are everything! Double down and dunk the chicharrones in creamy guacamole and spicy Colombian green sauce for the ultimate trifecta. Make a meal of it and enjoy this classic alongside ice-cold beers as you watch penalty shootouts.
Recipe for Crispy Chicharrones (Fried Pork Belly)
England – Homemade Pork & Leek Sausage Rolls
Dunk-worthy and delicious, these classic homemade sausage rolls will have you saying “Just one more” as you keep going back. Filled with garlic, pork mince, sautéed leeks and sage, they are super fragrant and tasty. Dip into the mustard-mayo, chant “Eng-ger-land” and wave your flags.
Recipe for Homemade Pork & Leek Sausage Rolls
Want more tasty inspiration? Try these pork-tastic recipes.
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