Even if your favourite World Cup team didn't make it to the Round of 16, you can still get into the tournament's spirit with these recipes inspired by the countries still duking it out. From brunch recipes for those morning games, to salty snacks and sweets for mid-afternoon matches, here are 16 recipes that'll up the ante in the upcoming knock-out round.
Karaage, or Japanese-style fried chicken, is crispy and salty, making it the perfect accompaniment to a nice, cold pint. Get this Japanese fried chicken recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.The next England game is at 2 p.m., meaning you can host a football-themed high tea complete with these seasonal scones. Get this strawberry scone recipe.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.Mussels and fries make a delectable duo. To speed up this meal, serve with toast frites, or go the distance and fry up some spuds. Get this spicy mussels and toast frites recipe.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.Torta de tres leches, or three milks cake, is popular all over Latin America, including in Columbia. This take uses coconut milk for a summery flavour. Get this tres leches coconut cake recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.Toast Mexico with these morning-appropriate cucumber jalapeño margarita mocktails. But if you need something a little stronger, add in a splash of tequila. Get this cucumber jalapeño margarita mocktail recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.Cheer on Sweden with these creamy, saucy meatballs that make a perfect party appetizer. Get this Swedish meatballs with egg noodles recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.We played with this iconic Swiss dish to create a fondue with classic flavours, like gruyere, as well as not-so-traditional spinach and artichokes. Start dipping with this artichoke and spinach dip fondue recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.Earthy beet borscht is always a good idea, even in the middle of summer. That’s because you can serve it cold (omit the beef, if you want). Get this classic borscht recipe, or try this chilled beet and apple version.
Photo, Roberto CarusoSmørrebrød, or open-face sandwiches on dark, sour-dough rye bread, are popular in Denmark. Try this pea and smoked salmon open-face sandwich recipe for a taste.
Photo, Sian Richards.For France’s morning match against Argentina, serve up a colourful brunch with these beautiful purple crepes. Get this berry crepes with rosewater chantilly cream recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.Try this Portuguese spice blend on grilled shrimp for a decidedly summery appetizer. Get this grilled piri piri shrimp recipe.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.These sandwich cookies, filled with decadent dulce de leche, are popular all over South America, including in Uruguay. Get this alfajores recipe.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.You can have all the classic paella flavours in this one-pot dish, but with instant-cooking rice noodles in place of high-maintenance rice. Get this Spanish shrimp fideuá recipe.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.If you love truffles, you’ll adore these Brazilian bonbons made with sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder. Best of all, you can decorate them with black-and-white sprinkles to make them look like little soccer balls! Get this brigadeiros recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz and Sian Richards.As a coastal country, seafood (including a Dalmatian fish stew called brudet) is an important part of Croatia’s cuisine. Embrace that seaside life with this fish stew recipe.
Photo, Andreas Trauttmansdorff.Argentina is renowned for its excellent steak. Get a taste of it with this barbecued steak with Argentinean sauce recipe.
Photo, Yvonne Duivenvoorden.Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.