Football is the most popular sport in the world and nothing brings hordes of passionate fans together quite like the World Cup.
With 32 teams descending on Russia for this year’s tournament, thousands of people have bought tickets and made arrangements to see their heroes in action.
Even fans without tickets have journeyed to Russia simply to immerse themselves in the festival of passion and patriotism unfolding around the World Cup stadiums.
And once you’ve travelled all that way, it’s important to make sure everybody knows exactly where your loyalties lie.
Creative fans have been going to extreme lengths to proclaim their love for their national team – from painting flags on their faces to – in one case – donning a full gladiator outfit embellished with the Peruvian colours.
Scroll down to see the supporters who have gone the extra mile to spur on their players…
IRAN
This Iranian fan has painted her face with the flag of her country and looks delighted as she cheers on her team against Spain
JAPAN
One of the more wacky costumes, this photo shows a Japanese fan dressed in the shape of the World Cup trophy as his team played Colombia
RUSSIA
The host of this year’s World Cup, Russia ran an elaborate and magnificent opening ceremony, attended by this glamorous fan
SENEGAL
Senegal are one of the African nations at this year’s World Cup and this fan looks extremely relaxed as he waits for his country to face off against Poland
ARGENTINA
After losing in the final of last year’s World Cup, fans of Argentina, such as this one who is sporting a traditional hat, expect their nation to win the competition
PERU
Peru are one of the less fancied nations at this year’s tournament but that hasn’t stopped this fan from making a statement
AUSTRALIA
Although better known for their success in cricket, Australian fans will be hoping for a good showing from their players this year
MEXICO
Mexico stunned world champions Germany in their first game, much to the delight of this supporter
CROATIA
Croatia are well known for their passionate fans and this glamorous supporter has draped herself in her nation’s colours, painting the flag on her cheeks
POLAND
This Poland fan, seemingly named Bobo, is clearly passionate about his nation and has a list of Poland’s previous World Cup appearances written on his shirt and in his crown
BELGIUM
Belgium are one of the favourites of this World Cup and this fan will be hoping that his nation can live up to expectations
BRAZIL
Brazil are the most successful team in World Cup history and well known for their passionate supporters, with this fan blowing a kiss into the camera
COLOMBIA
This Colombian fan has extremely elaborate face paint on but his hat, depicting the gaping jaws of a tiger, is the most striking part of his costume
ENGLAND
This England fan looks full of passion as he watches his team play against Tunisia in their opening match of the tournament with the flag painted on his face
PANAMA
Panama are one of the least fancied nations at the World Cup but as this is their first tournament, they have brought hundreds of passionate fans along
COSTA RICA
This Costa Rica fan has draped himself in his country’s colours and looks extremely positive as he watches them take on Serbia
DENMARK
These glasses make this Denmark fan impossible to miss as he watches his nation take on Australia in their first game of the World Cup
FRANCE
This slightly bizarre photo shows a French fan wearing Eiffel Tower earrings and holding a fluffy cockerel, one of the symbols of France
GERMANY
As the reigning world champions, a lot is expected of Germany and their fans will be backing them loudly – although it is unclear why they’re sporting Sesame Street characters
ICELAND
Iceland fans won hearts at the European Championships in 2016 and they are expected to be just as passionate this time with their famous clap cheer
TUNISIA
Tunisia are making their fifth appearance at the World Cup and this fan is showing her love for her nation with her face paint
SAUDI ARABIA
This Saudi Arabian fan is cheering his nation on passionately as he watches them during their opening game against hosts Russia
SWEDEN
This Sweden fan, sporting a large beard and long, plaited hair, looks ponderous as he watches his team against South Korea
SPAIN
Spain are one of the favourites to win the World Cup and this fan’s eyes are shining with excitement as she watches them against Iran
SOUTH KOREA
This South Korean fan is proudly brandishing his country’s flag as he cheers them on during their game against Sweden
PORTUGAL
Portugal are the reigning European champions and boast the talents of Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be supported by this passionate superfan
NIGERIA
Nigeria are another African representative at this year’s tournament and this fan is wearing an elaborate head piece as she cheers them on
SERBIA
This proud Serbian fan looks delighted to see his team at the World Cup and is wearing a hat with a badge of the Serbian eagle on it
URAGUAY
Passion is clearly running high with several fans at the World Cup and this Uruguay fan has covered his face with his nation’s flag
MOROCCO
This Morocco fan is sporting a wonderful pair of flag-themed sunglasses as he watches his team play against Portugal
EGYPT
Egypt is well known for its Pharaohs and this fan clearly takes pride in his country’s history as he cheers them on
SWITZERLAND
This Switzerland fans looks delighted to be attending the World Cup and she is cheering on her country while covered in flags