Calcutta prepares for World Cup final screenings as Mumbai homes become fan zones

By Sanjay Menon — 19 July 2026 — 3 min read

As the World Cup final approaches, football enthusiasts in Mumbai and West Bengal are making diverse arrangements to experience the highly anticipated match. With the final scheduled to kick off close to midnight on Sunday, many are transforming their homes into vibrant fan zones, while the West Bengal government is organising large-scale public screenings across the state.

In Mumbai, the late kick-off time means that many pubs and restaurants will be closed, prompting residents to create their own viewing parties. This shift from public venues to private homes is a notable change for a city accustomed to large gatherings in sports bars and rooftop screenings. The ritual often includes a large television, a lively atmosphere, and familiar faces, ensuring that the excitement of the match is not missed.

Mumbai’s Home and Office Fan Zones

For some, the final has even spurred home entertainment upgrades. Mithun Dasgupta, a finance professional from Vikhroli, shared that he and his son are looking forward to watching the match on a recently purchased large television, with friends and their sons also joining. This highlights a trend of Mumbaikars investing in their home viewing experience for the significant event.

Others are focusing on recreating the festive stadium atmosphere within their residences. Tanukripa Pal, an educator from Andheri (E), is hosting a house party where friends plan to wear their favourite team colours. The aim is to bring the carnival energy, including the colours, noise, and anticipation, directly into their living rooms.

Beyond homes, some workplaces are also serving as impromptu fan zones, particularly for those on late shifts. Ashish Patil, a media professional based in Santacruz, mentioned that his office in South Mumbai has been hosting viewing parties throughout the knockout rounds. Due to his profession requiring him to stay in the office until midnight, watching matches with colleagues has become a norm, and this will continue for the final.

The excitement extends beyond the match itself, with the World Cup closing ceremony scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kick-off. This 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 event 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.

Support for the competing teams, Spain and Argentina, is evident across Mumbai. Entrepreneur Rohan Mehta, who is hosting a watch party at his Bandra home, is backing Argentina, hoping to see Lionel Messi lift the trophy in what could be his final World Cup final. However, many of his friends are reportedly supporting Spain and Lamine Yamal, creating a friendly rivalry that is expected to continue with celebrations or teasing until sunrise. Suman Chakraborty, an art director, plans to watch the final at a friend’s place with fellow football fans, supporting Spain due to his enjoyment of Marc Cucurella‘s performance throughout the tournament.

West Bengal’s Public Screenings

Meanwhile, the West Bengal government is actively preparing for public live screenings of the World Cup final. The main event will be held at Nandan, a cultural complex, with similar arrangements planned for large screens in important locations across various districts. The Youth Services and Sports Department is coordinating these efforts in consultation with other government departments.

To facilitate these screenings, all district administrations have been instructed to set up facilities, with an allocation of Rs 1 lakh provided to each district for this purpose. This information was conveyed through an official notification issued by Rajesh Pandey, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Youth Services and Sports department. The venues are 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 attend these screenings.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com