While cricket may be the sport of choice for many Indians, football enjoys an equally passionate fan base across the country. Need proof? Take a stroll through the streets of Kolkata or visit the bustling markets of Kerala, where football merchandise and creative displays of support are impossible to miss right now. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 in full swing, fans have transformed Indian streets into vibrant celebrations of the beautiful game. Here’s a glimpse of the football fever taking over the country.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Football Fever Takes Over India
FIFA World Cup 2026 Fever in streets and lanes of Howrah.
Bengal is all decked up for the biggest football event in the world.#FIFAFever pic.twitter.com/YxauzmPCgq
— Soumyadip Dutta-Bengal Infra Updates (@lofITechie) June 12, 2026
West Bengal has one of the largest football fan bases in India, and if you don’t believe us, then these glimpses of what the streets of Howrah or Kolkata right now should be enough to make you believe how excited fans are in the city for FIFA World Cup 2026.
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In Kerala, the football fever has taken over the fashion world too as the city markets now have mundus with some of the popular team choices like Brazil, Argentina, and Portugal!
Also Read: “A World Cup Tradition Like No Other,” Japanese Fans Clean Up Stadium After FIFA Match
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In Nagaland, various villages have put up football team flags to show their support during the FIFA World Cup 2026. One of the most striking displays comes from Ungma village, where seven youngsters built a 15-foot replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy entirely out of bamboo. The impressive creation not only showcases the region’s deep-rooted bamboo craftsmanship but also beautifully blends Nagaland’s cultural identity with its residents’ passion for football.
The world’s longest football fan flex is right here in Malappuram, Kerala, India 🇮🇳
A 600-ft Argentina flex and a 400-ft Brazil flex standing tall during World Cup season because football fever in Kerala operates on a different scale altogether.
The rest of the world probably… pic.twitter.com/uNseejSbam
— Sini (@SiniiMayo) June 11, 2026
World Cup 2026 fever reaches Nagaland 🇮🇳⚽
Chuchuyimpang Village in Mokokchung proudly displays football flags as passion for the beautiful game grows across Northeast India. 🔥#Nagaland #WorldCup2026 #FootballFever pic.twitter.com/u7mChpa1Y8
— NAGA HUNTER (@NAGAHUNTER64233) June 10, 2026
Also Read: Step Inside Footballer Lionel Messi’s ₹7 Lakh Presidential Suite At The Leela Palace New Delhi
So, how is your city celebrating the biggest celebration of football in the world?
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@lofITechie & Insatgram/puthumacollection
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: June 15, 2026 2:44 PMFAQs
Which countries are hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The tournament is being jointly hosted by United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it the first World Cup to be hosted by three nations.
How many teams are participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A record 48 teams are competing in the tournament, up from 32 teams in previous editions.
Has India ever qualified for the FIFA World Cup?
India has never played in a FIFA World Cup finals tournament, although the country qualified for the 1950 edition but did not participate.
Which countries have won the FIFA World Cup the most times?
Brazil holds the record with five FIFA World Cup titles, followed by Germany and Italy with four each.