The World Cup is about more than football
Every four years, the World Cup gives us the chance to discover new players, new stories, and new nations.
With the tournament now featuring 48 countries, fans are being introduced to a more diverse line-up than ever before. Alongside household names such as Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and England are countries including Cape Verde, Curaçao, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan – each bringing its own footballing identity and culinary traditions.
While the action takes place on the pitch, one of the easiest ways to explore another culture is through its food.
Fortunately, nowhere is better placed to do that than London.
London is one of the world's great food cities
One of London's biggest strengths is its incredible diversity.
Within a few Tube stops, you can travel from Japanese ramen to Brazilian barbecue, Cape Verdean seafood, Congolese cooking, Uzbek plov, or Paraguayan specialities.
That inspired us to create this World Cup cuisine graphic – matching every nation in the tournament with a London restaurant where you can try food connected to that country's culinary heritage.
Whether you're cheering on your own nation or adopting a second team for the tournament, it's a fun way to broaden your horizons beyond the football itself.
Some of our favourite discoveries
Some of the restaurants featured will already be familiar to London food lovers, but putting together all 48 nations also introduced us to a few brilliant finds.
A few highlights include:
- Cape Verde – Otino
- Uzbekistan – OshPaz
- DR Congo – DeluxeManna
- Saudi Arabia – Hijazi Corner
- Jordan – Jordanian Cuisine
- Bosnia & Herzegovina – Chicken & Ćevapi
Alongside these are well-known favourites representing football powerhouses such as Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Japan, Spain, and France.
Together they show just how far London's restaurant scene can take you.
A different way to enjoy the tournament
The World Cup naturally brings people together through football.
But it's also a great excuse to celebrate the cultures behind the teams.
Trying food from another country can be every bit as memorable as watching a great match, whether it's sharing a Brazilian rodízio with friends, discovering Uzbek comfort food for the first time, or enjoying traditional Cape Verdean cooking.
It's a simple way to make the tournament feel even more international.
Kick off your own World Cup of flavour
Our graphic includes all 48 nations from the expanded World Cup, grouped as they appeared at the start of the tournament, together with a recommended London restaurant representing each country's cuisine.
Whether you're looking for somewhere to eat before the match, planning a football-themed food tour, or simply searching for your next dining adventure, we hope it inspires you to try somewhere new.
After all, the World Cup is about discovering the world.
Why not let your next meal be part of the journey?
