FIFA World Cup 2026: Meghalaya launches Fan Park in Shillong as football fever grips the state
Shillong, June 27
The Meghalaya government has added to the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by inaugurating a dedicated Football Fan Park in Shillong, giving supporters a common venue to watch matches live on giant LED screens free of cost as the tournament is set to enter its decisive knockout phase.
Set up at the SRGT Parking Lot, the Fan Park is aimed at bringing together football enthusiasts from across the state, where the sport enjoys immense popularity. Fans can gather to cheer for their favourite teams while experiencing the atmosphere of a stadium-like setting during the World Cup.
The initiative has been warmly received by local football lovers, many of whom described it as a first-of-its-kind experience in the state. One fan said the arrangement was a "wonderful way" to celebrate football, expressing confidence that large crowds would turn up throughout the tournament.
"Very nice experience coming here. I think this is the first time something of this sort has happened. What a wonderful way in which this has been done. People will have a really good time watching football. May the best team win. The football craze is amazing here in Meghalaya. We are expecting a huge crowd to come here and cheer," a young fan told ANI.
The Fan Park comes at a time when football enthusiasm is running high across the country, with the FIFA World Cup moving into the round of 32. The knockout stage begins on Monday, with South Africa taking on co-hosts Canada before the tournament switches to a straight elimination format leading up to the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
The expanded 48-team World Cup, which began on June 11 with co-hosts Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0, features 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed sides, advance to the Round of 32.
Among the teams that have already secured knockout berths are Brazil, Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Argentina, the Netherlands, Morocco, Belgium, the United States, Mexico and Egypt, while the remaining qualification spots are being decided through the final group-stage fixtures over the weekend.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great initiative! But I wonder if they've considered the weather? Shillong monsoon can be brutal in June-July. Hopefully they have some covered seating arrangements. Otherwise, it's wonderful to see football celebrated at such scale in Meghalaya. The energy of 48 teams in this World Cup is unmatched!
As someone who has lived in Shillong for years, this makes me so proud! Football isn't just a sport here—it's a religion. From Laitumkhrah to Police Bazaar, people live and breathe the game. The Fan Park will be a beautiful melting pot of cultures, with locals cheering for Brazil, Argentina, Japan and more. Truly a celebration of unity in diversity! 🇮🇳⚽
Good move by the government, but I hope they've also thought about proper facilities—restrooms, drinking water, security, and crowd management. Sometimes these pop-up Fan Parks lack basic amenities. That said, the enthusiasm in the Northeast for football is incredible. India should definitely bid for the FIFA World Cup someday!
This is exactly what we needed! As a college student in Shillong, my friends and I were planning trips to local restaurants to watch matches, but a free, public Fan Park is so much better. The stadium atmosphere they're promising will be incredible. Can't wait to see the knockout matches with the whole community! 🏆
Great to see football being promoted at the grassroots level. Meghalaya has produced some fantastic players for India over the years. A Fan
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.