Football enthusiasts in Mumbai and West Bengal are making arrangements to watch the upcoming World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. With the match scheduled to kick off close to midnight on Sunday, many are planning to create their own fan zones at home, while the West Bengal government is organising public screenings across the state.
In Mumbai, the late kick-off time means that many pubs and restaurants will be closed. This has led residents to transform their living rooms into viewing areas. For instance, Mithun Dasgupta, a finance professional from Vikhroli, upgraded his television specifically for the event, planning to watch with his son and friends. Similarly, Tanukripa Pal, an educator from Andheri (E), is hosting a house party where guests will wear their favourite team colours to replicate the atmosphere of a stadium.
Community Viewings and Office Fan Zones
Beyond home gatherings, some workplaces in Mumbai have also become impromptu fan zones. Ashish Patil, a media professional based in Santacruz, noted that his office in South Mumbai has been hosting viewing parties throughout the knockout rounds. Due to his work schedule, it is difficult for him to return home in time for the matches, making the office a convenient location to watch with colleagues. This arrangement is set to continue for the final.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government is facilitating large-scale public screenings. The Youth Services and Sports Department is coordinating these arrangements with other departments. An official notification from the Additional Chief Secretary of the Youth Services and Sports department, Rajesh Pandey, confirmed that all district administrations have been instructed to set up screening facilities. Each district has been allocated Rs 1 lakh for this purpose.
The main screening event in West Bengal will take place at Nandan, a cultural centre in Calcutta. The venue is expected to be decorated with flags and other football-themed elements to enhance the festive atmosphere. There are also plans to invite former players and public figures to these screenings, according to a bureaucrat.
Pre-Match Festivities and Fan Rivalries
The final match will be preceded by the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony, which is scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kick-off. The ceremony is expected to feature appearances by several notable personalities, including Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Hudson, Laura Pausini, and Post Malone.
For the first time, the World Cup final will also include a Super Bowl-style halftime show. The lineup for this performance includes artists such as Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, and Burna Boy. Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus are also part of the show, with Coldplay‘s Chris Martin serving as the creative curator for the event.
In Mumbai, fans are divided in their support for the two finalists. Entrepreneur Rohan Mehta, who is hosting a watch party at his Bandra home, is backing Argentina, hoping to see Lionel Messi lift the trophy. However, he notes that most of his friends are supporting Spain and Lamine Yamal, creating a friendly rivalry that is expected to last until sunrise. Suman Chakraborty, an art director, plans to watch the final with friends and, despite being a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, will be supporting Spain, particularly enjoying Marc Cucurella‘s performance throughout the tournament.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
