PETALING JAYA: It’s World Football Day today, an occasion recognised by the United Nations for the transformative power of the game.
The UN general assembly passed a resolution in 2024, proclaiming May 25 as World Football Day as it acknowledged the global reach of football and its impact on commerce, peace and diplomacy.
Here in Malaysia, football fanatics – oops, fans – are well aware that their life will revolve around match schedules, late-hour kick-offs and heated debates over their teams once the FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11.
Sales executive Muhammad Hafiz Roslan, a devoted Germany supporter since childhood, admitted the tournament often takes priority over everything else in his social calendar.
“I already told my friends not to expect me to reply to messages when Germany is playing. During the World Cup, football comes first,” he quipped.
Muhammad Hafiz, 29, added that he and his friends had started making plans weeks before the opening match, including securing their favourite mamak spot for late-night screenings.
“We already discussed which matches we’re going to watch together because once the World Cup starts, good seats at mamak shops fill up very fast,” he said.
He said the atmosphere during the World Cup would be unmatched because even casual fans become emotionally invested in the matches.
“Normally, only football fans follow league games every week. But during the World Cup, suddenly everyone becomes an expert.
“Even people who rarely watch football start predicting scores and arguing over players,” Muhammad Hafiz said.
He said that part of the excitement also comes from the unpredictability of international football.
“There’s always one underdog country that surprises everyone. That’s what makes the World Cup different from club football,” he said.
For accountant Nur Aisyah Hamzah, 27, the tournament is less about fierce rivalry and more about bringing family and friends together.
She said her family traditionally gathers at home during major matches, turning the living room into a mini football viewing party complete with takeaway food, jerseys and friendly banter.
“My brothers have already started planning who’s bringing pizza, nuggets and drinks for the opening weekend. It becomes like a family gathering every four years,” she said.
Although she supports Argentina, Nur Aisyah said the excitement often extends beyond football itself.
“The fun part is the atmosphere.
“Group chats suddenly become active again at 2am, everyone reacts together online and social media becomes full of memes after every match,” she said.
