With the stage set, Hyderabad’s football fever has officially peaked. Fans across the city are scrambling to secure screening venues, planning uninterrupted celebrations, and officially calling in sick for Monday to accommodate the post-midnight kickoff. Whether it’s a sea of Argentina jerseys or vocal Spain supporters, the city is uniting to pack out venues and celebrate the tournament’s ultimate showdown together.
‘This World Cup has introduced so many people to football’
Ismail Mohammad, an IT professional who is organising a World Cup final screening at Rumor Sky Lounge, Gachibowli, says football’s biggest strength lies in its ability to bring strangers together through a shared passion. “Football is amazing because it creates a sense of community. You walk into a screening surrounded by strangers, and by the end of the night, you’re celebrating, debating and cheering like you’ve known each other for years. We started with around 60 people watching the Norway vs France group-stage match, and today our dedicated WhatsApp group for screenings has grown to nearly 400 members. Now, we’re gearing up for the World Cup final and expecting around 500 fans.” He says the rapid growth reflects how the World Cup has introduced more people in the city to football. “What’s been most exciting is seeing so many first-time football viewers become part of the community during this World Cup. Most of the people attending our screenings are between 22 and 35 years old, and every match has brought in new faces.”
The excitement among football fans has been incredible, with people making reservations well in advance and planning to watch the match with friends. We’ve geared up for a busy night to make sure everyone enjoys the screening comfortably. On a regular day, we usually see around 230 to 300 guests, but for the final, we’re expecting close to 400 to 500 football fans
Sunny Rajput, F&B Consultant, Zythum Brewing Co, Jubilee Hills
‘The extended hours have made these screenings possible’ Maria, who runs a Hyderabad-based community named Corp Mallu, that organises social meetups and events, says the city’s growing passion for football inspired them to bring fans together for the World Cup final. “I’m a huge Messi fan myself, so I’m rooting for Argentina to lift the World Cup. Compared to previous years, the football fan base in Hyderabad has grown tremendously, and the excitement around this World Cup has been unbelievable. That’s what inspired us to organise FIFA World Cup final screenings.” With the Telangana government extending operating hours for bars, clubs and microbreweries until 4.30 am for the weekend World Cup games, she says it has made large-scale screenings much easier to host. “It’s amazing to see such a large and passionate football community coming together. The government’s decision to extend operating hours has made a huge difference because hosting screenings of this scale wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.”
Argentina may be the favourites, but Spain have been outstanding throughout the World Cup, especially with how disciplined they’ve been defensively. I have a feeling they’ll produce something special in the final, beat Argentina and break every Messi fan’s heart. If Spain do pull it off, the reactions from Argentina supporters will be one hell of a sight to see
Dr Preety Raj
‘We’re taking taking off on Monday to celebrate all day if Argentina wins’
Sangita Sarkar, a sports streaming professional, believes Argentina’s resilience throughout the knockout stage is what has convinced her they’ll lift the trophy once again. “The way Argentina has played, especially in the knockout stages, has been incredible. Coming from behind to beat Egypt, Switzerland and England showed the heart and character of this team. Every comeback made me believe even more that this side is destined to win. I’m predicting a 2-1 victory for Argentina in the final.” For her, the final is as much about celebrating with fellow fans as it is about the football itself. “My friend and I are heading to a screening party in Gachibowli for the final. We’ve already decided to take off on Monday because we’re expecting a celebration. I have a group of Argentina supporters ready to celebrate together all day — and even our boss is an Argentina fan, so we’re all hoping for the perfect ending.”
“We are created these collectible cards featuring players of Argentina and Spain as a small keepsake for fans. The idea is to give them something they could take home and remember this World Cup final and the atmosphere of the screening,” says Dr Preety Raj
I’m all about Argentina, and Messi is the reason. To me, he’s more than just a footballer — he’s like God. I do have a soft spot for Lamine Yamal because he plays for Barcelona, but once the whistle blows, there’s only one team I’m backing. Messi is lifting the World Cup again, and Argentina are winning this final
Sangita Sarkar, a sports streaming professional and a Messi fan
‘The final is more than a match; it’s a celebration of football’For Dr Preety Raj, who is co-hosting watch parties across Hyderabad, it’s all about bringing the city’s growing football community together to share the electric atmosphere of the final. “Screenings like these are about much more than watching a football match. They bring Hyderabad’s football community together, where fans can cheer, celebrate and experience the emotions of the game as one big family. The atmosphere you get at a public screening is something you simply can’t recreate at home.” Preety adds that, “We’ve already received around 200 confirmed registrations, and the screenings will be held at three venues — Broadway Jubilee Hills, Inorbit mall in Madhapur and a restaurant in Sainikpuri. Fans from different parts of the city will be coming together, and we’re expecting all three venues to be packed with chants, jerseys and an electric atmosphere throughout the night.”— Biswajit Talukdar— Inputs by Divya Shree
