As the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina approaches, football enthusiasts in Mumbai and West Bengal are making extensive preparations to watch the match, which is scheduled to kick off close to midnight on Sunday. With many establishments closing early, Mumbaikars are transforming their homes into fan zones, while the West Bengal government is organising public screenings across the state.
In Mumbai, the timing of the final has led many to opt for home viewing parties. Mithun Dasgupta, a finance professional from Vikhroli, shared that he recently acquired a large television to watch the match with his son and friends. Similarly, Tanukripa Pal, an educator from Andheri (E), is hosting a house party where friends plan to wear their favourite team colours, aiming to replicate the vibrant atmosphere of a stadium in their living rooms.
The ritual across many Mumbai homes includes a large screen, a loud television, and familiar company, ensuring that the significant match is not missed. This approach allows fans to enjoy the carnival-like energy, complete with colours, noise, and the tension of the game, within a personal setting.
Office and Public Viewing Arrangements
For some, the workplace has become an alternative viewing spot. 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 late work shifts, it is often impractical for him to return home in time for the matches. His workplace has accommodated this by keeping office televisions on, allowing staff to watch games together, a practice that will continue for the final.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government is facilitating public screenings. The Youth Services and Sports Department is coordinating arrangements for live screenings on large screens at key locations across various districts. An official notification from Rajesh Pandey, Additional Chief Secretary of the Youth Services and Sports department, indicated that each district has been allocated Rs 1 lakh to set up these screening facilities.
Pre-Match Festivities and Team Support
The festivities for the World Cup final are set to begin even before the match itself, with a closing ceremony scheduled 90 minutes prior to kickoff. This ceremony is expected to feature appearances from various 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 event is reported to include artists such as Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, and Gustavo Dudamel, with Coldplay’s Chris Martin serving as the creative curator.
Support for both finalists, Spain and Argentina, is evident among Mumbai’s football fans. Rohan Mehta, an entrepreneur hosting a watch party in Bandra, expressed his backing for Argentina, hoping to see Lionel Messi lift the trophy in what could be his final World Cup appearance. However, he also noted that many 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 at a friend’s residence with fellow football fans, emphasising that watching football with friends enhances the experience. Although a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, Chakraborty will be supporting Spain for the final, having enjoyed watching Marc Cucurella throughout the tournament and hoping for a Spanish victory.
The West Bengal government also plans to decorate the screening venues with flags and other football-themed elements, and former players and public figures are likely to be invited to these events.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
