City United By Football

According to Adil Mistry, co-founder of Hyderabad Football League, the World Cup inspires greater participation at the grassroots level by making fans feel part of a global football community.

“Football is the biggest sport in the world and attracts people from all demographics. With 48 nations competing this time, the highest ever in World Cup history, the excitement is bigger than ever. Every tournament creates enthusiasm that often translates into more people wanting to play the sport,” he says.

Creating new football dreams

Major tournaments have a unique ability to create unlikely heroes. Mistry points to Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who became a talking point during the tournament. “Stories like these inspire youngsters to dream beyond traditional positions and encourage them to join academies and clubs. For many aspiring footballers, the World Cup is often the first spark that turns casual interest into a lifelong passion.”

The Messi-Ronaldo effect

For football player Vivek Jonnalagadda, no two players have influenced Hyderabad’s young footballers more than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. “Their rivalry has shaped an entire generation of fans. Messi inspired creativity and vision, while Ronaldo became the symbol of relentless work ethic, athleticism and self-improvement,” says Vivek. Long before today’s stars dominated football conversations, another generation grew up idolising Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham and Ronaldo Nazario. The names may change, but the influence remains the same.

When Hyderabad Comes Together

Across the city, cafés, sports bars and restaurants are turning into mini football arenas. Vihaan Kandhari, co-founder of Jamming Goat, says screenings transform ordinary evenings into community experiences. “Football is one of the few things that brings together people from completely different backgrounds for the same reason,” he says.

Fans celebrate goals together, debate refereeing decisions and connect with complete strangers united by a shared passion. Rahul Reddy, partner at Rü Hyderabad, says the atmosphere on World Cup nights is unlike any other. “People come dressed in team jerseys, cheer loudly for goals and big moments, and choose commentary over music. It becomes less about a night out and more about sharing the experience together,” he says.

Business of football fever

The World Cup is also proving to be a boost for Hyderabad’s hospitality industry. While late kick-off timings in the United States-hosted tournament present challenges, venue owners expect crowds to grow steadily as the competition reaches its decisive stages. “Since it is still the opening phase of the tournament, we haven’t seen a major business impact yet. But once the knockout rounds begin, that’s when World Cup fever really starts to hit,” says Rahul. Sports bars and screening venues expect higher footfall, longer stays and increased spending as the tournament intensifies.

Stars bring them in, stories keep them watching

Messi and Ronaldo remain the biggest crowd-pullers, particularly among casual fans. Argentina and Portugal matches routinely attract packed audiences. “The possibility of this being the final World Cup for Messi and Ronaldo adds even more excitement,” says Rahul Reddy. “At the same time, younger stars like Mbappe and Haaland are creating a fan base of their own.” Traditional football powerhouses such as Brazil, Germany, England, France and Spain continue to command strong support. But as the tournament progresses, dramatic storylines, surprise results and knockout-stage pressure often become bigger attractions than individual stars.