Fans pack Guwahati’s Latasil Ground, while similar scenes unfold in Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Silchar, North Lakhimpur and Nalbari

Guwahati, July 20: Football fever swept across Assam on Sunday night as hundreds of fans thronged the Chief Minister’s FIFA Fan Park at Latasil Playground in Guwahati to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between defending champions Argentina and European champions Spain.

The fan park turned into a sea of blue-and-white and red as supporters arrived wearing team jerseys, waving national flags and cheering their favourites. Giant screens, music and chants created a stadium-like atmosphere as football lovers gathered hours before kick-off.
The excitement was not confined to Guwahati alone. Similar crowds assembled at CM FIFA Fan Parks in Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Silchar, North Lakhimpur and Nalbari, highlighting the growing popularity of football across the state.

“We can see the excitement from the gathering here. A large number of people have already assembled at Latasil, and we have also received information that many football lovers have gathered at fan parks in Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Silchar, North Lakhimpur and Nalbari. It is a very positive message for the entire state,” said Padmapani Bora, Managing Director of the Development Corporation of Assam.

Bora said the FIFA Fan Park initiative, launched under the vision of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, was aimed at promoting a vibrant sports culture in Assam.

“This is not just a sports activity. We have seen how sports culture is developing in Assam. Such events will also have a long-term impact on tourism and strengthen Assam’s image as a destination capable of hosting major sporting events,” he said.
Among those soaking in the atmosphere was Guwahati resident Anindya Dekha, who turned up to cheer for Argentina.

“I have followed all of Argentina’s matches in this World Cup. Lionel Messi is my favourite player, and I hope they lift the trophy tonight,” she said.

Calling the fan park a welcome initiative, she said such community screenings would encourage more youngsters to take up football and deepen their interest in the sport.
With thousands gathering at fan parks across Assam, the World Cup final turned into a statewide celebration, reflecting the state’s growing passion for football and community sporting events.