# Which Team Won the Soft Power World Cup? How football shapes countries' global influence beyond the pitch. - **Source:** [Forbes - Business](https://brifing.si/source/e0310925-a7af-4d4b-80a7-c80d400e49fa) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e50f90f1-e194-4905-8b88-c831add1d610 ## What is Soft Power? Soft power is a concept that shapes countries' global influence through tools like sports, music, and fashion. The World Cup offers a unique platform to create this impact. Nations can build a positive global image through their performance in the tournament. ## Norway's Victory Norway emerged as the soft power champion of the 2026 World Cup. Led by Erling Haaland, the team captivated global audiences with Viking-inspired celebrations. This performance highlighted Norway's collective self-belief and cultural values. ## France's Luxurious Style France reinforced its soft power through luxury and elegance. Collaborations with Jacquemus and the style of players like Kylian Mbappé showcased France's leadership in global fashion and culture, a strategy actively supported by the French government. ## England's Nostalgic Influence England created a nostalgic impact by leveraging iconic music groups like The Beatles and Oasis. Led by Jude Bellingham, the team sang along with fans, emphasizing England's cultural heritage and strengthening its soft power. ## Mexico's Warm Welcome Mexico stood out with its warm and friendly hosting of the World Cup. Coach Javier Aguirre's jokes and the iconic atmosphere of the Azteca Stadium showcased Mexico's hospitality and passion to the world. ## The Importance of Soft Power Soft power is a powerful tool for countries to stand out on the global stage. Events like the World Cup offer unique opportunities to create this influence. Nations like Norway, France, and England leveraged these opportunities to enhance their global image. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonchadwick/2026/07/14/which-team-has-won-the-soft-power-world-cup/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._