Which F1 Drivers Will Be Celebrating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Every Driver's National Team Ranked

A significant portion of the current grid will be cheering on England. Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, George Russell, Oliver Bearman and Arvid Lindblad all have a vested interest in seeing the Three Lions finally end their long wait for World Cup glory. England entered the tournament among the favourites after another strong qualification campaign and boast one of the most talented squads in world football.

Hamilton has even admitted he faces a difficult dilemma during the tournament. While proudly English, the Ferrari driver has long spoken about his affection for Brazil, creating a unique split allegiance should the two nations meet later in the competition.

Max Verstappen will once again be backing the Netherlands. Dutch football has produced some of the sport's greatest players and teams, but World Cup success has remained elusive. The Oranje have reached multiple finals without lifting the trophy and will hope 2026 can finally change that.

For Verstappen, a World Cup triumph would provide some welcome sporting satisfaction outside Formula 1 after years of seeing his country fall agonisingly short on football's biggest stage.

Several drivers have genuine title contenders to support.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc may represent Monaco, but the principality does not have a World Cup team. That leaves him as one of the few drivers without a direct national interest in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Bortoleto will be dreaming of a sixth World Cup for Brazil. The five-time champions remain one of football's most successful nations and entered the tournament with high expectations.

Franco Colapinto has perhaps the strongest footballing pedigree on the grid. The Argentine driver will be supporting the reigning world champions as they attempt to defend the title won in Qatar four years ago. Argentina are again among the favourites and possess the experience of knowing exactly what it takes to go all the way.

Not every Formula 1 driver will have a team to support.

Current championship leader Kimi Antonelli is among those left disappointed after Italy failed to qualify for the tournament once again. The absence of the four-time world champions remains one of the biggest stories of the competition and has already become a topic of conversation in the paddock.

Carlos Sainz, meanwhile, will be cheering on Spain. The Williams driver recently sent a message of support to La Roja ahead of the tournament and will hope the 2010 champions can make another deep run.

Fernando Alonso also has Spain to support, while Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon will be backing France. Oscar Piastri will be hoping Australia can produce another surprise campaign, while Alex Albon has Thailand's colours but no national team to follow at the tournament.

The excitement surrounding the World Cup has already spread throughout Formula 1. Racing Bulls even unveiled a football-themed rebrand ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, temporarily becoming "VCARB FC" in celebration of the tournament.

With six weeks of football running alongside a crucial phase of the Formula 1 season, there is every chance that World Cup discussions become almost as frequent as conversations about championship standings.

And while the drivers will ultimately be focused on chasing victories on the racetrack, many of them will also be hoping their national teams can deliver success on football's grandest stage.