The best fans of the 2026 World Cup named in new verdict as Tartan Army are surprisingly snubbed

The 2026 World Cup delivered packed stadiums, vibrant fan parks and memorable atmospheres across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Now, a panel of BBC Sport reporters and commentators who have travelled across the tournament have revealed which supporters impressed them most.

BBC reporters pick the standout supporters at 2026 World Cup

Mexico emerged as the clear winner among the BBC's team on the ground, with chief football writer Phil McNulty, BBC Radio 5 Live commentator John Murray and journalist Gary Rose all naming El Tri supporters as the tournament's best.

McNulty praised the “sheer passion and love” shown by Mexican fans, while also highlighting their warmth towards visiting supporters after recalling a restaurant in Mexico City applauding England fans on the eve of the teams' group-stage meeting.

Murray described the iconic Estadio Azteca as “the heart of this World Cup”, while Rose said Mexico's support extended far beyond the stadiums, with Los Angeles turning green whenever El Tri were in action.

Elsewhere, Argentina's travelling support also received glowing praise despite their controversies on the pitch.

Ian Dennis highlighted crowds of more than 60,000 Albiceleste fans in Miami and Kansas City, describing their relentless singing as the best atmosphere he experienced during the tournament.

Norway's supporters were another popular choice thanks to their now-famous Viking Row celebration, which became one of the defining images of the World Cup.

Both Liz Conway and Neil Johnston singled out the coordinated rowing chant, while Johnston also recalled Norway fans teasing England with chants of “You're going home” moments before Jude Bellingham's equaliser in the quarter-finals.

There were also individual mentions for Brazil's ability to transform entire host cities, Colombia's party atmosphere in Kansas City and the remarkable noise created by Curacao's small but passionate fanbase.

FGG says: Have Scotland fans been unfairly snubbed?

Mexico's supporters are worthy winners after helping create some of the tournament's most memorable atmospheres both inside and outside the stadiums.

However, the omission of Scotland's Tartan Army is a surprise.

Long regarded among football's best travelling supporters, they once again earned widespread praise from host cities throughout the tournament, making their absence from the BBC's selections one of the more unexpected talking points.