Delhi Football Fans Prepare for Sleepless Nights Ahead of Late-Night World Cup Matches
Football fans across Delhi, including in neighbourhoods like CR Park, are preparing for sleep-deprived nights as they gear up for the challenge of watching late-night World Cup matches. With the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico between June 12 and July 20, many key fixtures are scheduled to kick off between 12:30 AM and 6:30 AM India time.
The timing of the broadcasts is forcing local supporters to rethink how they will follow the tournament. For a city where football culture thrives on collective viewing, late-night gatherings, and packed cafes, the early morning kick-offs present a major hurdle for maintaining daily routines.
Alekh Mahapatra, an avid football follower, recalled similar challenges during the 1994 World Cup in the United States. He noted that while a 12:30 AM start is manageable, staying up for matches that kick off at 2:30 AM, 3:30 AM, or 5:30 AM makes live viewing highly difficult, especially since football is traditionally a social experience shared with friends in public venues.
Working professionals are already planning to adjust their viewing habits. Software developer and Argentina supporter Arshdeep Panesar, whose workday starts at 8:00 AM, said he will have to be selective and will likely only stay up to watch the biggest fixtures.
Another fan, Udit Raina, explained that balancing office timings and his young son's routine will make it difficult to watch matches that start after midnight. Many fans online have expressed similar concerns, expecting to follow the tournament through highlights and social media clips rather than live broadcasts.
However, some supporters are determined to watch the games live despite the inconvenience. In CR Park, Argentina supporter Aninda Das said he is already bracing for a disrupted sleep schedule. He emphasized that the World Cup is the biggest event in the sport and that the time difference will not dampen his excitement.
Spain supporter Abel Rai also plans to watch his team live, noting he is fortunate that two of Spain's matches are scheduled at a more convenient 9:30 PM India time. Rai, who has family in Darjeeling, has already ordered his team's jersey in preparation for the tournament.
