Football enthusiasts in Kolkata and Mumbai are making extensive preparations 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 opting for home viewing parties or office gatherings, while the West Bengal government is organising public screenings.
In Mumbai, the late kick-off time means that many pubs and restaurants will be closed. As a result, residents are transforming their homes into dedicated fan zones. This involves setting up large televisions, gathering friends and family, and creating a festive atmosphere to enjoy the game, which is expected to extend past 3 AM.
Mumbai’s Home and Office Fan Zones
For some Mumbaikars, the final has provided an opportunity for home entertainment upgrades. Mithun Dasgupta, a finance professional from Vikhroli, shared that he recently purchased a large television and plans to watch the match 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, aiming to replicate the vibrant energy of a stadium.
Beyond homes, workplaces are also becoming viewing hubs, especially for those working late shifts. 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 often impossible for him to return home in time for the matches, making the office a convenient location to watch with colleagues. This arrangement will continue for the final.
The excitement in Mumbai is palpable, with divided loyalties between the two finalists. Entrepreneur Rohan Mehta, who is hosting a watch party at his Bandra residence, is supporting Argentina, hoping to see Lionel Messi lift the trophy. However, he mentioned that many of his friends are backing 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 at a friend’s place, supporting Spain after enjoying Marc Cucurella‘s performance throughout the tournament.
West Bengal Government’s Public Screenings
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government is taking steps to ensure widespread public access to the final. They are organising a live screening of the match on a giant screen at Nandan in Kolkata. This initiative is being coordinated by the Youth Services and Sports Department, in consultation with other departments.
Similar arrangements for live screenings on large screens are planned for important locations across various districts in West Bengal. Each district has been allocated Rs 1 lakh for setting up these screening facilities, according to an official notification issued by Rajesh Pandey, Additional Chief Secretary of the Youth Services and Sports department. The venues are expected to be decorated with flags and other football-themed elements, and former players and public figures may be invited to attend these screenings.
The final match will be preceded by the World Cup closing ceremony, scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kick-off. The ceremony is set to feature appearances by various personalities, including Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Hudson, Laura Pausini, and Post Malone. Additionally, for the first time, the World Cup final will include a Super Bowl-style halftime show. The lineup for this performance includes artists such as Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, and Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus, with Coldplay‘s Chris Martin serving as the creative curator.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter