Dan Burn needed just 26 minutes against Mexico to achieve cult hero status at the 2026 World Cup, a tournament defined by unlikely icons. The Newcastle defender, 6ft 7in, headed away a Raul Jimenez bicycle kick with nonchalance and later said: 'I've been desperate to get on the pitch. I'm very proud to have played for England at a World Cup. I never thought I'd be saying that.'
Why This World Cup Belongs to Cult Heroes
According to Metro columnist Kate Mason, this tournament is the 'World Cup of the Cult Hero.' The greatest is Vozinha, a 40-year-old Cape Verdean goalkeeper who shut out Spain and Uruguay and nearly beat Argentina in the round of 32. Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece also won hearts with his Pat Cash-esque celebration after beating Germany.
Cult heroes exist outside the natural order. Jude Bellingham, despite his 98-second heroics against Mexico, will never be one because he is not like us. Dan Burn, however, inspires affection because he seems normal—an elite athlete living his dream.
Haaland: An Unlikely Cult Hero
Erling Braut Haaland, Norway's prolific striker, defies expectations. Despite being one of the world's best, his goofy celebrations and wonder at every goal make him a cult figure. After beating Brazil in the last 16, he struck the Norwegian drum like a kid. Mason notes: 'Seeing him score I can't help smiling.'
England face Norway on Saturday, with three games to go. The tension, controversies, and missteps of this World Cup contribute to the feeling of being out of control—a feeling common to fans.
