With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now behind us, football fans are already reflecting on the standout moments from the tournament in North America.

There were no shortage to choose from. We were treated to some incredible action over the last five weeks or so, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Rodri among the top performers. Goals scored by some of those players were certainly some of the more memorable incidents at the event.

Then you have the happenings away from the field of play. It was not a World Cup without controversy as the USA made their influence clear in incidents such as the overturning of Folarin Balogun’s red card.

In terms of memorable moments involving the fans, it seems that one particular fanbase was missed.

Roy Keane says World Cup missed Ireland fans

There were some brilliant supporters at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Norway fans perhaps the most well discussed.

Recommended

Making their first appearance at the tournament since 1998, the Norwegians certainly made up up for lost time. Their famous row celebrations was seen across the country and earned them a huge amount of plaudits.

In saying that, not everyone was impressed with it.

Speaking on Stick To Football, Ian Wright named Norway’s row chant as his standout moment of the World Cup away from the pitch. That did not wash with Roy Keane, who said the Norwegian fans paled in comparison to those from Ireland at previous tournaments.

Wright: When Norway done the rowing.

Keane: It was boring!

Wright: To see so many people together.

Keane: What were they doing? Rowing. That’s mind-boggling that. Or Scotland fans. If I see another guy playing a bagpipes and people going ‘that’s amazing’, it’s a bagpipe, you can do that any day of the week…

You’re praising all these fans. It missed the Irish and the Italians, lets be honest. The Irish are the best.

The rowing was great at the start, but three weeks later you’re like ‘we get it’. Did they f*****g row over here? Jesus man.

Good man Roy.

Ireland fans will hope for more major tournament trips

Ireland supporters certainly would have made quite the impact in North America this summer, an opportunity they were deprived of after the play-off loss to Czechia back in March.

With Euro 2028 partly being held in this country, they should get an opportunity to make their voices heard on that occasion.

As for the next World Cup, having fixtures relatively close by in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco would see a huge amount of Ireland fans travel should the team manage to qualify.