The ongoing FIFA World Cup has once again transformed everyday life in Malaysia, with football fever extending far beyond the pitch into city centres and small towns alike.
The tournament has become a huge shared experience, drawing crowds of all ages to public viewing events.
These screenings have even attracted members of the diplomatic community and foreign nationals who gather to support their home countries.
Despite the wee morning kick-off times, Malaysians remain keen to catch the matches live.
High-spirited community screenings in villages, food courts and 24-hour mamak eateries are packed with families and friends sharing the experience.
Shopping centres have also embraced the occasion, putting up vibrant World Cup-themed decorations, interactive displays and match schedules to attract football fans.
Some streets in Kuala Lumpur and George Town, Penang, have joined the celebration with banners and football displays adding to the festivities.
As the tournament reaches its final stages, the buzz has only intensified, dominating everyday conversations from workplaces to living rooms as fans trade predictions and dissect standout performances.
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The public watching the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match between Spain and France on a big screen at Dataran Ipoh in Perak. — Bernama
Mexican football fans support their national team during the opening match against South Africa at Auditorium Seri Angkasa, Angkasapuri in Kuala Lumpur. Below: A morning game draws children to a big screen showing Brazil against Haiti at Seberang Jaya Public Market food court in Penang. — Photos: Bernama
Children watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Brazil and Haiti on a giant screen at the Seberang Jaya Public Market food court in Butterworth.
World Cup-themed decorations and displays at a Bukit Bintang mall. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
Andiqah Putra and wife Eryn Hairanie, with their infant daughter Eryqah, checking out World Cup 2026 fixtures at a mall in Kuala Lumpur. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/ The Star
Japanese football team supporters gather to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Japan and Sweden in Kuala Lumpur. -- BERNAMA
Nasruddin Wagiman, 62, joins fellow villagers at a community screening in Felda Ayer Hitam, Kluang, to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan in the early hours of the morning. -- BERNAMA
Football fans gather at Auditorium Seri Angkasa, Angkasapuri, to watch the live screening of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match between Mexico and South Africa. -- BERNAMA
World Cup fever builds in George Town as football-themed banners decorate the city ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match. -- BERNAMA
