A recent article published by MaisFutebol on the history and significance of the crests of the 48 national teams competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup drew extensively on the expertise of historian Miguel Metelo de Seixas, a researcher at the Institute for Medieval Studies (IEM).
The article explores the origins and symbolism of the emblems used by national football federations, highlighting the presence of animals, colours, heraldic devices and historical references that continue to shape the visual identities of many countries. The analysis underscores the enduring influence of heraldic and symbolic traditions across the centuries, demonstrating how elements associated with kingdoms, empires, dynasties and national identities remain embedded in the world of contemporary football.