As the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches the quarterfinal stage, European airlines are taking their national loyalties to the skies. Brussels Airlines has launched a playful provocation ahead of Belgium's clash with Spain on Friday evening at Los Angeles Stadium, painting one of its aircraft in the colors of the Belgian Red Devils and flying it exclusively to Spanish destinations.
According to the Belga News Agency, the carrier will deploy its Trident aircraft—a red A320 with a darker tail—on routes from Brussels Airport to Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, and Alicante. The livery features a trident blending into a flame, combining elements of both the Belgian and Spanish national team logos. The aircraft will serve only Spanish cities during the tournament period, a pointed gesture as the two nations vie for a semifinal spot.
A Tradition of Airborne Banter
The Trident livery first appeared during the 2016 European Championship and was also used during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Initially, it featured only the Red Devils' men's team design, but it was later updated to include the Red Flames, paying homage to both the men's and women's national squads. This year's iteration continues that tradition, though the timing—just before a high-stakes match against Spain—adds an extra layer of competitive spirit.
Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals with a 4-1 victory over the United States, while Spain eliminated Portugal in a tense encounter. The winner of Friday's match will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semifinals. The Argentine side staged a dramatic comeback against Egypt to set up that matchup.
Norwegian Takes Aim at British Airways
Brussels Airlines is not the only carrier engaging in pre-match jabs. With six European teams still in contention—including Norway and England—Norwegian Air has challenged British Airways on Instagram. The Norwegian carrier proposed that if England loses to Norway on Sunday 12 July at Miami Stadium, British Airways should change its logo on the platform. The post drew an enthusiastic response, with users calling it “pure cinema” and suggesting the quip had already scored a winner.
The lighthearted rivalry echoes a broader trend of brands leveraging national pride during major sporting events. For airlines, which often serve as symbols of national identity, such stunts can reinforce customer loyalty and generate buzz. Whether these antics age well depends on the results on the pitch. As the saying goes, may the best teams—and airlines—win.
For context, the World Cup quarterfinals also feature other European matchups, including France against Morocco—a game with political and sporting stakes that has drawn attention beyond the field. Meanwhile, the heatwave affecting parts of southern Europe, with Barcelona hitting 40.5°C and shattering a 112-year record, has added logistical challenges for traveling fans.
