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The Conversation
The Conversation
Daniel Rubenson, Professor of Political Science, Toronto Metropolitan University

A study of close to half a million soccer fans shows how group identity shapes behaviour

Soccer Mohamed Salah Atlas Lions Liverpool World Cup Kevin De Bruyne Qatar Argentina France Brazil
Argentina fans celebrating their team's World Cup victory walk past a mural of Diego Maradona in Buenos Aires. While shared nationality is a factor, most fans typically think about players in terms of their club team. (AP Photo/Mario De Fina)

On Dec. 18, Argentina defeated France after penalties in what some have called the greatest World Cup final ever. For one month the attention of soccer fans from Brazil to Morocco was devoted to their national teams as the Seleção Canarinho, Atlas Lions and 30 other teams battled through the tournament in Qatar.

Now fans’ focus is returning to Real Madrid, Chelsea, AC Milan and other clubs, as the major domestic leagues resume matches. Argentina’s hero, Lionel Messi and France’s superstar Kylian Mbappé, rivals on the pitch in Qatar just a few weeks ago, are now back in their familiar roles as teammates at Paris Saint-Germain.

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