ZGHARTA, Lebanon (AP) — In the northern Lebanese town of Zgharta, Brazilian flags hung from balconies and stone alleyways as families prepared for Brazil’s Round of 32 FIFA World Cup match against Japan.
Children wearing yellow jerseys played soccer in the streets, while cafés and public squares filled with supporters draped in green and yellow, reflecting a passion for Brazil that stretches across Lebanon.
The connection between the two countries runs deep. Government estimates say between 7 million and 10 million Brazilians have Lebanese ancestry, more than Lebanon’s population of about 6 million.
Juliana Dahdouh, 5, wearing a Brazil-themed hat, poses for a portrait before the Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Juliana Dahdouh, 5, wearing a Brazil-themed hat, poses for a portrait before the Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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Supporters of Brazil’s national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Supporters of Brazil’s national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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Supporters of Brazil’s national soccer team celebrate, after Brazil scores its first goal against Japan during a Round of 32 match at the FIFA World Cup, in the Jabal Mohsen neighborhood of Tripoli, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Supporters of Brazil’s national soccer team celebrate, after Brazil scores its first goal against Japan during a Round of 32 match at the FIFA World Cup, in the Jabal Mohsen neighborhood of Tripoli, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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Those family and cultural ties, shaped by over a century of migration, have helped make Brazil one of the most widely supported national soccer teams across Lebanon. For many Lebanese fans, Brazil’s attacking style of play, flair and history of producing legendary players have also inspired generations of supporters, passing that passion from parents to their children.
Supporters of Brazil’s national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Supporters of Brazil’s national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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A supporter of Brazil’s national soccer team waves a Brazilian flag, as she celebrates Brazil’s victory over Japan in a Round of 32 match at the FIFA World Cup, in the Jabal Mohsen neighborhood of Tripoli, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
A supporter of Brazil’s national soccer team waves a Brazilian flag, as she celebrates Brazil’s victory over Japan in a Round of 32 match at the FIFA World Cup, in the Jabal Mohsen neighborhood of Tripoli, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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Children wearing Brazil jerseys carry a Brazilian flag and a soccer ball as they head with their family to watch the Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Children wearing Brazil jerseys carry a Brazilian flag and a soccer ball as they head with their family to watch the Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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As kickoff approached, drums echoed through the streets and fans gathered around screens to cheer every attack. “Today we had to work a bit for the win, but I was sure we were going to win,” said Brazil supporter Bagus Fadlallah. “We’re Brazil, and we’ll show everyone what Brazil is really made of.”
After Brazil’s victory, supporters in villages and cities across Lebanon took to the streets, waving Brazilian flags, beating drums and celebrating a team many Lebanese have supported for generations.
Supporters of Brazil’s national soccer team celebrate after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Supporters of Brazil’s national soccer team celebrate after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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Supporters of Brazil’s national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Supporters of Brazil’s national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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Supporters of Brazil’s national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Supporters of Brazil’s national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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Youssef Dahdouh, 4, poses for a picture while holding a soccer ball before he and his family head to watch the Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Youssef Dahdouh, 4, poses for a picture while holding a soccer ball before he and his family head to watch the Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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Supporters of Brazil’s national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Supporters of Brazil’s national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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A supporter of Brazil’s national soccer team beats a drum as fans celebrate Brazil’s first goal against Japan during a Round of 32 match at the FIFA World Cup, in the Jabal Mohsen neighborhood of Tripoli, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
A supporter of Brazil’s national soccer team beats a drum as fans celebrate Brazil’s first goal against Japan during a Round of 32 match at the FIFA World Cup, in the Jabal Mohsen neighborhood of Tripoli, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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A Brazilian flag hangs over an alley as a man walks with a child before the Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
A Brazilian flag hangs over an alley as a man walks with a child before the Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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Youssef Dahdouh, 4, plays soccer with other children before he and his family head to watch the Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Youssef Dahdouh, 4, plays soccer with other children before he and his family head to watch the Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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