Egypt and Lebanon

Available for over a year

Louisa Loveluck hears that Egyptians are clamming up as President Abdelfattah al-Sisi's grip on their country tightens. For some, the dreams of free speech and full democracy born during their Revolution three years ago are unfulfilled. But more and more people - whether through fatigue or genuine enthusiasm - are now willing to back the military government to the hilt on all fronts. And, who to support in the World Cup if your own nation never made the selection? Julia McFarlane finds some of the most enthusiastic fans imaginable among the Palestinian residents of the Bourj el-Barajneh refugee settlement in Beirut - and it hardly matters whether they are backing Italy or Brazil. Photo: Egyptians hold portraits of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as they take part in celebrations in front of the presidential palace in Cairo on 8 June 2014, after Sisi was sworn in. Credit: Mohamed el-Shahed/AFP/Getty Images)