GROUP A
South Africa
For the perfect combination of live sporting action and South African food, there is none other than Nezeaussi at Al Manzil Hotel. Your target? The traditional boerewors - beef sausages flavoured with spices like clove and coriander seed, formed into a spiral and cooked on a ‘braai' (Afrikaans for barbecue). 04-428-5888
Uruguay
The aroma of the asado (or parilla) is hard to dodge when you're in the country, but aside from a variety of meat, they also like to grill chorizo. Visit one of the local Argentinean restaurants for a taste and then head to Haagen-Dazs for ice cream made with dulche de leche, a lush caramel paste, that's a bit of a national fixation. 04-345-1692
Mexico
Cravings for fajitas, burritos and guacamole are easily satiated at independent restaurant Mario Bonita's Taco Shop in Umm Suqeim. However, for haute Mexican cuisine head to Maya at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, where the traditional flavours are given a modern twist. 04-316-5550
France
For a quick Parisian escape via Dubai, Bistro Madeleine is where you want to be. Casual fare includes steak frites, the Croque Monsieur sandwich oozing with cheese and traditional salad nicoise. For dessert, stop by Paul's for macaroons. 04-701-1128
GROUP B
Argentina
This country's love for meat came to town when Asado (meaning barbecue) opened at The Palace. Savour succulent steaks accompanied by chimichurri, a sauce made with garlic, vinegar and herbs or be adventurous and opt for the entire roasted goat cooked on the open spit. 04-428-7888
Nigeria
Our Nigerian friends have been telling us about jollof rice, a rice dish made from tomatoes, tomato paste, onions and ginger with optional ingredients like vegetables, meat or fish. The Africa Home Restaurant in Naif Road, Deira serves a mean jollof rice. 04-227-9559
South Korea
You're more likely to fill yourself up with spicy kimchi (pickled cabbage) that forms part of the banchan (side condiments) usually served with rice at most meals. This is usually the case at Dae Jung Kum at the Royal Ascot Hotel so pace yourself and leave room for tender pieces of meat made Korean barbecue-style. 04-355-8500
Greece
Known for its fairly healthy approach with heavy use of vegetables, olive oil and herbs, Greek cuisine is closely related to the foods of the Levant. Savour the whole experience with mezze (small dishes served as appetisers), dolmades and moussaka at Elia in the Majestic Hotel. 04-501-2690
GROUP C
USA
Nothing says ‘all American' better than a juicy hamburger, frosty milkshake and fries. Head over to Johnny Rockets for these quintessential Americana favourites and top it all off with a slice of home-style apple pie - with vanilla ice cream of course. 04-368-2339
England
Most men would agree there's nothing better than pub grub and footie on the telly. For a more sophisticated evening out, try Rivington Grill where classic British favourites from Welsh rarebit, fish and chips with mushy peas and game faggots (lentil mash with meatballs) all make an appearance. 04-423-0903
Algeria
Sharing culinary influences with Morocco, Algeria is a country where lamb and vegetables are highly consumed. Sample the tagine Marrakeshia complete with fragrant saffron enhancing the lamb or the pastila bil hamam with tender pigeon sitting under a flaky phyllo-like warka dough crust. Go to Marrakech at the Shangri-La. 04-405-2703
Slovenia
Turn to Italy once again to enjoy Slovenian favourites of minestra, minestrone-style vegetable soup, and fritaja, another name for the Italian omelette frittata, made with vegetables and herbs although sometimes meat like ham and sausage are also added. Both dishes are easily recreated at home as well.
GROUP D
Germany
Get ready for cured sausages and cold meats - all best savoured at the JW Marriott's Hofbrauhaus. But for ribs with sauerkraut or coral salmon on potato blinis, dust off the lederhosen and take a seat at local favourite Der Keller in Jumeirah Beach Hotel. 04-607-7977
Australia
Native Australians may have laid the initial culinary foundation but immigrants - from Ireland to Italy - have heavily influenced the cuisine. Think international favourites like pizza and pub grub of pie and mash that are on the menu at popular expat hotspot Aussie Legend's in Rydges Plaza. 04-398-2222
Serbia
Drawing influences from Greece and Turkey, the cuisine is largely Mediterranean and consists of mezze, cheeses like feta and sweets like baklava - all readily available throughout the emirates. Dolma (stuffed vine leaves), Đuveč (ratatouille-style vegetables) and gyros (pita bread stuffed with tzatziki and meat) are also popular.
Ghana
Ghana like its West African neighbour Nigeria share a lot of common delicacies. Fufu is a popular dish made from pound/mashed cassava and black plantains, served with fish or crab. African restaurant, Transworld Hotel, Deira. 04-224-1166
GROUP E
Japan
Yes, it includes sushi, but this cuisine is also known for its clean, unfussy flavours that highlight seafood. Souq Al Bahar's Momotaro restaurant adheres to the rules with their delectable peach and spicy tuna Momotaro roll, chilled edamame soup and grilled octopus. 04-425-7976
Holland
Expats love pannenkoeken, Dutch pancakes that can be served with savoury or sweet fillings - a perfect reason to visit one of the More Café's outlets for breakfast. After work, catch a sundowner at the Belgian Beer Café and enjoy another Dutch obsession - mussels served with fries. 04-701-1128
Denmark
The closest to a Danish meal is a plate of smoked or cured salmon (also called gravad laks) garnished with dill and a wedge of lemon at IKEA's bustling café. Smørrebrød or an ‘open faced sandwich' is served on white or buttered rye bread are popular back in the country and are often served accompanied by some local brews. 04-203-7641
Cameroon
The national dish of Cameroon is ndole - a stew made from bitter leaves, nuts and meat. Though their cuisine may not be the easiest to find here, there are places in Dubai where you can sample their fare. Head to After 11 (open between 11am and 11pm) at the London City Hotel near Sabkha station in Deira. 04-235-0777
GROUP F
Italy
Del Piero loves his pasta and pizza and there's no dearth of either in the UAE. For some rustic Italian food, celebrity chef Giorgio Locatelli's restaurant, Ronda Locatelli, at the Atlantis fits the bill. To bring a taste of Italy home pick up some fresh pasta and focaccia from Carluccio's in The Dubai Mall. 04-434-1320
Paraguay
Yes, parilla rules here as well. La Parilla at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel is the best bet for a variety of meat cuts barbecued to perfection on the open grill. For modern take on a Latin American staple, try the empanadas at MJ's Steakhouse at Al Qasr that are stuffed with moist wagyu beef. 04-406-8999
New Zealand
This country loves to barbecue, so head to Spinneys and pick up some succulent New Zealand lamb chops and throw them on the grill. For an unfussy taste of Kiwi land, the beef and mushroom pie at the Lime Tree Café works nicely paired with their kumara (sweet potato) and beetroot salad - two of the country's favourite veggies. 04 349-8498
Slovakia
Hard to come by in the emirate, the closest you get to the national dish, Bryndzové Halušky (potato dumplings with sheep's cheese) is gnocchi at one of the local Italian restaurants. Stuffed ravioli is also reminiscent of crescent-shaped bryndzové pirohy stuffed with cheese.
GROUP G
Brazil
Brazil's famous churrasco style of cooking is much lauded and churrascarias, are restaurants where an unlimited supply of cuts fresh from the grill are sliced directly on to a diner's plate. Recreating the ambience is Chamas at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi where the passadors (waiters) rarely leave your side. 02-666-6888
North Korea
The two Koreas again share a lot of common food delicacies. So check South Korea (Group B) to figure out how Korean your dinner needs to be tonight. Thankfully, Dubai has a clutch of good Korean restaurants.
Ivory Coast
Banana plantations were widely cultivated and thrived in the country leading to fried bananas becoming one of the staples. Bongo Stop in Karama has fried plantain on their menu, which should make an apt snack while watching the home team play. 04-396-2754
Portugal
Two words: peri peri, the fiery bird's eye chilli that's pickled to make a sweat-inducing sauce used to flavour meats and seafood. A cheap and cheerful version can be enjoyed with flame-grilled morsels of Nando's espetada (skewered meat) chicken, served with your choice of the sauce's heat level. 04-343-5878
GROUP H
Spain
Say ‘Ole!' to paella, Spanish-style omelette called tortilla, cheese croquettes and sangria at Sevilles at Wafi. But to really show your team spirit, reserve a table at Michelin-starred Spanish chef Santi Santamaria's restaurant Ossiano at the Atlantis that serves inspired Catalan cuisine. 04-324-4777
Switzerland
Think fondue - warmed gooey cheese like Gruyere or Emmenthal served with bread or potatoes for dipping. Swiss hospitality chain, Mövenpick Hotel does a bang-on rendition of this classic for their weekly fondue night every Wednesday. Another favourite on offer is raclette, accompanied by trimmings like pickled gherkins. 04-336-6000
Chile
Like Argentina, meat, poultry and sausages grilled on the parilla are popular. Empanadas, semi-circular deep-fried pastries generously stuffed with fillings like mince meat or cheese are a true reflection of the Spanish influence on the country. Both delicacies can be tried at Palermo restaurant at the Arabian Ranches. 04-362-7869
Honduras
Carne asada - roasted meat marinated in citrus juices and then grilled is a hands-down favourite. While the original isn't available in the UAE, the cuisine's Mexican connections will point you in the direction of a sizzling platter of beef fajitas at El Chico in Dubai Marina. 04-423-3828
