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Our Cup Runneth Over

Here’s a thought: Part of the fun of an international tournament like the World Cup is the chance to adopt a team based on something other than your country of origin (especially for anyone who’s iffy on the US men's chances). If you're looking for a contender, consider their superstitions. It may not be odds-based, but it is fun. Defending champ Argentina and its fans are famously devoted to lucky traditions, including one very specific game-day snack. Another is a locker room lucky charm we won’t speak about here for karmic reasons. Meanwhile, Brazil tends to  avoid kits in a certain color after a famously heartbreaking loss decades ago, and the team plane got a pretournament "baptism" before takeoff for New Jersey. (We'd hate to see their water bill.) Mexico brings some of the tournament's most beloved fan customs, and Portugal can always count on Cristiano Ronaldo's very specific daily routine.

Or follow the vibes: Maybe you're less interested in rituals and prefer to pick based on personality. Norway has nabbed some new fans with the full-on Viking-themed photo shoot the team had before they arrived in the US — we just hope the tanning Scandis packed plenty of SPF. Then there’s Paraguay, which is back at a World Cup for the first time in 16 years — and judging by the players’ send-off, they are ready. Consider this your final call to pick a side before your group chat picks one for you.

Related: One German World Cup Fan’s First Impressions of American Fast Food Are Going Viral (Atlanta News First: WANF)