As the FIFA World Cup 2026 heats up, Kochi has turned into a vibrant showcase of football enthusiasm. From construction workers to delivery riders and office-goers, folks all over the city are proudly sporting jerseys of legends like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar Jr. It’s become a common sight to see Messi, the Argentine captain and World Cup champion, Ronaldo, Portugal’s record-setting forward, and Neymar, Brazil’s dazzling attacker, strolling through the streets of Kerala. The World Cup has truly brought football fandom out of the stadiums and screens and into everyday life. Argentina’s three shades of blue and Brazil’s bright canary yellow are leading the charge in jersey sales across Kochi, with Portugal, Germany, Spain, England, Belgium, and many other nations following closely behind. Traders are reporting a surge in demand that surpasses what they saw during the 2022 tournament, with football gear becoming a trendy statement even among those who casually follow the sport. Messi’s recent hat-trick against Algeria has only added to his allure, making his jersey the hottest item among fans.
On the other hand, football loyalties in Kerala reflect a mix of national pride and club allegiance. Tony George, chairman of the Arsenal Kerala Supporters Club, mentioned that “Some fans have their favourite national teams, which they may have followed for years. Those without such allegiance tend to support teams featuring players from their favourite clubs. Norway, which has built up some following this time, is a case in point. The team has drawn Manchester City and Arsenal fans thanks to the presence of Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, who represent those clubs.”
According to him, the tournament not only cultivates new fan bases but also strengthens the existing football identities within the community.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil, Argentina and Portugal’s Opening Games
Argentina, Brazil, and Portugal have given us some unforgettable moments in the tournament. Defending champions Argentina kicked things off with a stunning 3-0 victory over Algeria, with Lionel Messi showcasing his brilliance by netting all three goals at the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes. Argentina boasted an impressive 90% passing accuracy and didn’t allow a single shot on target, demonstrating their complete dominance throughout the match.
Brazil gathered four points from their two games. After a 1-1 draw against Morocco, the Seleção bounced back with a solid 3-0 win over Haiti. Matheus Cunha found the net twice in the 23rd and 36th minutes, while Vinícius Júnior added another before the break. So far, Brazil has scored four goals and conceded just one, maintaining an impressive 89% passing accuracy in their latest match.
Portugal started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo. João Neves put them ahead in the sixth minute, but Yoane Wissa equalized in stoppage time. This match was particularly special as Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match at 41 years and 132 days. Portugal controlled the game with 75% possession and completed 721 accurate passes, but they had to settle for just one point despite their dominance in most phases of the match.
