How Thiruvananthapuram’s Technopark is soaking up the spirit of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

With the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup just days away from the final, excitement has reached its peak with the semi-finals scheduled for July 15 and 16. The mood in Technopark, the IT center, is no different.

Even before kick-off, the companies set out to celebrate the football jamboree. In addition to decorating their bays with team flags, huge cutouts of popular players have found a place in the hallways and cafeterias of most establishments. Photo booths were set up; predication competitions were also held.

Almost all companies had a Jersey Day – a day when their employees showed up wearing the jersey of their favorite teams. Among them were Allianz Services, UST and IBS Software.

Several Allianz Services employees wearing jerseys of their favorite teams on Jersey Day | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Several internal company events were also held on this day. For example, the entire UST campus featured soccer-themed decorations. There were life-size cutouts of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Neymar Jr., Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.

Cutouts of players in the UST campus | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

“We also organized a series of football-themed challenges. The highlight was the presence of professional football freestyler Jasim Ahamed, who enhanced the proceedings with his skill. The celebrations ended with exhibition matches for men and women,” the UST statement said.

In addition to the decorated bays and corridors, IBS Software opened the proceedings with a photo booth decorated with the flags of all participating teams. A replica of the World Cup trophy was placed in a booth in the background of a photograph of the stadium.

A couple of IBS Software employees pose with a replica World Cup trophy at a photo booth on the company’s campus | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

“We had a selfie/roll contest — staff could take selfies or reels at the booth and post them on our internal social media platform. Those who got the most likes won a prize. We also had a penalty shootout challenge that took place over four days at four different locations. Staff had to shoot from 15 feet to the top post, with their chances facing the next round and everyone facing it back turned. winners were selected in the final round by sudden death and walked away with gift vouchers,” says Smitha Devaraj, the company’s senior product consultant.

Today was Jersey Day (July 14) on campus; their cafe also hosted a football offline quiz. There were four teams of four members in the fray, named Argentina, France, Portugal and Cape Verde. “Each team also had its own cheer squad. They were allocated funds to buy props and accessories. Prizes were given to the best of the lot,” adds Smitha.

IBS Software employee participating in the penalty shootout challenge | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Meanwhile, Prathidhwani, an employee welfare organization, organized a fan tournament a few days ago. The participating teams were Argentina, Brazil, Portugal and the rest of the world. “We created WhatsApp groups for each team and fans could join. Argentina had the most fans! It was a sevens tournament and with so many talented players, it was not easy to select the final list,” says Rajith VP, organizer of Prathidhwani Sports Forum.

The 20-minute games started the semi-finals and it was Brazil who took home the trophy. He adds that the annual sevens tournament at Prathidhwani will begin on July 30. “Last time we had 101 teams. This time the number will definitely increase. The tournament will last for several months. There is also a tournament of five for women’s teams,” she says.

“Brazilian” team with trophy in fan tournament organized by Prathidhwani | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

As in previous years, Prathidhwani will organize the live screening of the semi-finals and finals at the Amphitheater. “We had a huge turnout last time, even though there was a heavy downpour. Staff watched the matches with umbrellas. The atmosphere was incredible,” adds Rajith.

Vinodh Mohanan Sporting Cristiano Ronaldo Car Stickers | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Meanwhile, there are a few employees who have gone the extra mile for their favorite player. Like Vinodh Mohanan, whose white Hyundai Venue has been the center of attention since the start of the tournament with stickers of his favorite player Cristiano Ronaldo plastered on three sides. “Not just me, my family, especially my two kids, Anamika and Arnav, are his die-hard fans. I wanted to surprise them and that’s when a friend told me about this shop in Sreekariyam that does this kind of work. So I did it before Portugal’s first match,” says Vinodh.

So wasn’t he heartbroken when Portugal crashed out and Ronaldo’s World Cup career ended? “Not really. It wasn’t about winning the cup. The love for the player will always be there. We will never stop loving him. Just like you, you don’t stop loving your favorite actor just because his film flopped at the box office,” says Vinodh.

He will take out the stickers after the final on July 19. “But I might have kept the sticker on one side. I really liked it,” he says.

Published – 14 Jul 2026 22:56 IST