FIFA World Cup 2026 fever grips Kerala as God’s own country gears up for the tournament
The World Cup is just hours away and the whole world is in a festive mood. Things are no different in God’s Own Country, Kerala, where World Cup fever has gripped every corner of the state. The journey from Thiruvananthapuram in the south to Kasaragod in the north offers a glimpse into the Malayali passion for the beautiful game. Huge cutouts, flags and banners of their favorite teams and players went up across the state, turning towns and villages into vibrant football arenas.
Houses painted in Brazil’s iconic yellow and green colors, murals Lionel Messi holds the 2022 World Cup trophyand giant cut-outs of Cristiano Ronaldo accompanied by news reports proclaiming he is coming to conquer the world are among scenes from Kerala that have captured global attention. Fan rallies organized by supporters of different nations were also held in several parts of the state, showcasing a rivalry that at times seems even more intense than the recently concluded elections. Kerala fans show their allegiance mainly to Brazil and Argentina (Courtesy: India Today)
At Rajaji Nagar, also known as Chengalchoola in Thiruvananthapuram, the flags of Brazil, Argentina and Portugal greet visitors. While their favorite teams battle it out on the field, local fans engage in another competition through the ongoing flex-board war. Chengalchoola has also produced several talented footballers over the years, reflecting the area’s deep-rooted association with the sport.
No wonder Brazil enjoys the biggest fan base here. Vinil, one of the leading faces of the local Brazil fan group, even composed a song dedicated to his favorite team. World Cup divides fans in Kerala (Courtesy: India Today)
“Brazil has more fans here. There are also fans of Argentina, Portugal and France. They all understand football really well. They became fans by watching the game closely, not just because of the World Cup. They all play well too. We just don’t have enough facilities to encourage them,” he says.
For 17-year-old Nikhil, a devoted Cristiano Ronaldo fan, this World Cup represents hope. He dreams of seeing his idol finally reach the top prize and lift the trophy.
The Portuguese superstar virtually dominated the hall of Nikhil’s home in Rajaji Nagar. Ronaldo’s iconic No. 7 jersey, memorabilia from the clubs he represented, paintings of him with Ballon d’Or trophies and a hand-painted portrait created by Nikhil himself make the room feel like a personal museum dedicated to the football icon.
Nikhil’s parents even bought a new big TV to ensure that he doesn’t miss a single moment of the tournament.
“There are fewer Portuguese fans here compared to others. Everyone is showing their support through posters and flex boards. But we hope Cristiano wins this time,” he says.
Nikhil recalls becoming a Ronaldo fan at a very young age after watching him play and says he continues to admire the Portuguese star’s mentality and determination.
Another resident, Sooraj, heads a local committee that organizes football celebrations in the area. He is especially proud of the young soccer players coming out of the neighborhood.
“The FIFA World Cup is like Onam for us. In fact, I feel every Malayali celebrates the World Cup even more passionately than Onam. We have many talented players here. One of them, Sreekuttan, plays for Kerala Blasters. But there are not enough facilities to help them reach greater heights,” he says.
Like many others, Sooraj hopes that future generations will get better infrastructure and opportunities to develop their football talent.
Kerala has a love affair with football was repeatedly circulated on social networks. Videos showing the World Cup celebrations have attracted attention from around the world, with football fans from countries such as Brazil and Argentina expressing amazement at the passion displayed thousands of kilometers away from their homeland.
Yet beyond the colors, celebrations and rivalries, there is a shared emotion that unites fans. The tournament could mark the final World Cup appearance for Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar – three players who defined an era. Some are hoping that one of them will sign the trophy, while others are waiting to witness the arrival of the next world football superstar.
Whatever happens in the coming weeks, one thing remains certain. In Kerala, football is much more than just a sport. It’s a tradition passed down from generation to generation, a shared language that transcends age and background, and a passion that refuses to fade. Long after the final whistle blows and the champions are crowned, the flags will come down, but the love of the game will remain as strong as ever.
– The end
Published on:
10 Jun 2026 20:03 IST