The hottest wives and girlfriends of World Cup players

By EMILY CEGIELSKI

The World Cup has gotten off to a galloping start with astonishing upsets, surprising draws and the oust of the reigning champs, Spain. Soccer is slowly kicking its way into the hearts of tepid Americans everywhere with nearly 16 million people in the United States tuning into ESPN to watch the U.S. take down Ghana on Monday. However, not all of the best action at the World Cup happens on the field.

Known in Britain (and other soccer-loving countries) as WAGs, the wives and girlfriends of the best soccer players in the world are stars in their own right. And while many think of them as only arm candy (I dare you to say one of these women isn't gorgeous!), Time points out that many "have cultivated careers of their own" before ever dating their bodacious beaus. Many are actresses, journalists, singers and models. You might even recognize a couple.

Outside of America, the world of WAGs thrives with gossip columnists tailing each woman and speculating on every aspect of their lives. (*Note, there are two women listed as Neymar's girlfriend in the slideshow because gossip magazines can't figure out who's he currently seeing!) Quartz has published a 'Complete Guide to World Cup Sex Rules,' detailing which teams are traveling without their wives and girlfriends and what country's players are banned from having sex until the second round. (Hint: It's Costa Rica.) According to The Independent, the actions of soccer players' wives and girlfriends can truly affect how a player performs -- so, you're going to want to keep up with these stunning ladies.

Click through the gallery above to see some of the sexiest WAGs and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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14 Hottest World Cup Soccer Players