Giant-screen WC spectacle unites city fans

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has sparked a wave of excitement across Dhaka, with giant-screen screenings of matches drawing large crowds in neighbourhoods, markets and university campuses as football enthusiasts gather to enjoy the tournament's festive atmosphere.

While many city residents watch the matches from the comfort of their homes on television or mobile devices, outdoor screenings are emerging as a popular alternative, particularly among students, working-class people and football fans seeking a more communal viewing experience.

The month-long tournament, widely regarded as the "greatest show on earth", kicked off on June 11 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Since then, giant screens installed in different parts of the capital have become focal points for football lovers eager to cheer for their favourite teams alongside fellow supporters.

A visit to Dolaikhal, Kalta Bazar, Tanti Bazar, Laxmibazar, Mugda, Kamalapur, Shahbagh, Lalbagh, Mohammadpur and Mirpur on Sunday found enthusiastic crowds watching live World Cup matches on giant screens.

Many of the spectators included shopkeepers from wholesale markets, transport workers, rickshaw pullers, CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers and young football fans who said the large-screen experience offers a level of excitement that television viewing cannot match.

"I like watching football matches on a giant screen because it creates exceptional excitement," said Md Mohsin, a young trader from Jatrabari, while watching the Brazil-Morocco match at Dolaikhal on Sunday morning.

For others, giant-screen viewing is not only enjoyable but also practical.

"I do not have a television at home, so watching matches on a giant screen is my only option," said Md Akkas Ali, a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver, while following the Qatar-Switzerland match at Kalta Bazar in the early hours of Sunday. Outdoor football screenings have also become a major attraction on university campuses.

The Dhaka University campus, particularly the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) and residential halls such as Mohsin Hall, witnessed large gatherings of students and football supporters throughout the weekend.

Students said watching matches together creates a stadium-like atmosphere and strengthens the sense of community among football fans.

Thousands of football enthusiasts stayed awake through the night to watch Brazil's World Cup match against Morocco, which kicked off at 4:00am on Sunday.

Fans from different parts of the capital thronged the TSC premises, turning the venue into a vibrant gathering spot for supporters of the five-time world champions.

The area was awash with Brazil's iconic yellow and green colours as football lovers waved flags, chanted slogans and cheered every attacking move.

The giant-screen screening transformed the TSC into a festival venue, with supporters sharing moments of excitement, anxiety and anticipation throughout the closely contested match.

As the game progressed, fans celebrated Brazil's attacks and reacted emotionally to missed opportunities and key moments on the field. The crowd remained fully engaged until the final whistle.

The match eventually ended in a 1-1 draw, prompting mixed reactions among supporters. While some expressed disappointment at Brazil's failure to secure victory, others remained optimistic about the team's prospects in the remainder of the tournament.