The FIFA World Cup 2026 has begun in full swing on the 11th of June. The fever that was building up has been peaking heights with each match. The excitement among young fans is bubbling hot! Whether it is watching with family, gathering at a friend’s place or having heated discussions the young are catching …
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has begun in full swing on the 11th of June. The fever that was building up has been peaking heights with each match. The excitement among young fans is bubbling hot! Whether it is watching with family, gathering at a friend’s place or having heated discussions the young are catching up watching matches despite the time difference in India. They make up for the time difference by waking at odd hours in Indian time.
Altaf, a class 10 student from Candolim calls himself a crazy fan! “I am crazy about football! I bunked my maths revision test! As I had to watch France, Argentina and Portugal!” That day was crazy he says. His friend Christie, a class 9 student from the same ward, goes to another school in Panjim. He also missed school that day. “My friends came to stay that night and we watched all three matches together. Messi and Ronaldo is our favourite! But Altaf supports Messi more and me, always Ronaldo!” He did not expect Portugal to get a draw that day but hopes for something better the next time. France however they feel have done really good so far, and have proved very strong.
Twin Sisters in Saligao, Sarita and Savita are both football players. They watch the worldcup matches with their parents. “We support Brazil!”said Savita. Sarita wishes Neymar to heal and make a comeback soon. She said “I’m praying neymar gets well soon and come back stronger.” They also kee an eye on other teams, mostly Portugal, Argentina, France, and now even Qatar as for the first time in history a person with Indian Passport is playing. Savita spoke of the rumour of a Goan origin boy playing for Uruguay. “Evergone is saying he is of Goan descent. But Dada and his friends don’t believe it. I don’t know who to believer but he does have a Goan surname. It can be Portuguese too, I don’t know”.
Hrithik is a class 8 student from Calangute. He supports multiple teams from France, Brazil, Argentina, Portugal to a little bit of England. He is excited and doesn’t miss a match, sometimes watching recorded matches while not missing school either. “This is Ronaldo’s last year! It’s historic! Messi also is playing for the last time!” He doesn’t want to miss watching the legends play for the last time. He also loves Neymar and pushed for his comeback. However he says he supports France because it seems like the strongest team so far.
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