Calcutta and Mumbai prepare for World Cup final sc...

By Priya Nair — 19 July 2026 — 3 min read

Football enthusiasts in Mumbai are preparing for the upcoming World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, with many opting to host private viewing parties as the match is scheduled to kick off close to midnight on Sunday. With pubs and restaurants expected to close earlier, homes are being transformed into fan zones to accommodate the late-night fixture, which is anticipated to extend past 3 AM.

The ritual across many Mumbai households involves a large television, a lively atmosphere, and gatherings of friends and family to watch the significant match. 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 plan to wear their favourite team colours, aiming to replicate the vibrant energy of a stadium within their homes.

Community Viewings in Mumbai

Beyond private residences, some workplaces in Mumbai are also serving as 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 often extending until midnight, watching matches at the office has become a practical solution for him and his team, a practice they intend to continue for the final.

The final match is not the only event drawing attention; the World Cup closing ceremony is 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 performance includes artists such as Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, and Burna Boy, with Coldplay‘s Chris Martin serving as the creative curator.

Support for the competing teams, Argentina and Spain, is divided among Mumbai fans. Rohan Mehta, an entrepreneur hosting a watch party in Bandra, is backing Argentina, hoping to see Lionel Messi lift the trophy in what could be his final World Cup final. However, many of Mehta’s friends are reportedly supporting Spain and Lamine Yamal, creating a friendly rivalry among the group. Suman Chakraborty, an art director, plans to watch the final at a friend’s place and will be supporting Spain, having enjoyed watching Marc Cucurella throughout the tournament.

West Bengal’s Public Screening Initiatives

Meanwhile, the West Bengal government is also making extensive arrangements for public screenings of the FIFA World Cup final. The state government plans to organise a live screening on a giant screen at Nandan, a cultural complex in Calcutta. Similar arrangements for live screenings are being planned for other important locations across various districts to cater to football enthusiasts.

The Youth Services and Sports Department is coordinating these arrangements in collaboration 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 venues for these public screenings 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, further adding to the excitement surrounding the final match.

These initiatives highlight the widespread enthusiasm for football across India, with both private gatherings and government-organised events ensuring that fans can experience the excitement of the World Cup final, even with its late-night schedule.