PETALING JAYA: From special gatherings to cheering at mamak restaurants, Malaysian football fans are all set for the FIFA World Cup 2026 extravaganza which kicks off in the wee hours tomorrow.
Marketing executive R. Satish, 28, said he planned to hold watch parties at his home in Cheras for the family to catch the action live on his big screen TV.
“The plan is to have two sessions each day, one during breakfast for games between 8am and 10am, and a supper session for games past midnight.
“It will be a nice way to bring the family together as we do not gather as often anymore,” said the England fan who is hoping the Three Lions team will hoist the World Cup.
Insurance agent Jason Wong, 30, said he has planned out his schedule to watch games that involve France, as his idol, striker Kylian Mbappe, is known for his clinical finishing and incredible pace.
“I’m really excited as Mbappe is in his prime. France is a football powerhouse and I expect their games to be really exciting.
“Fortunately for me, France’s first three games are all in the wee hours, so I just need to stay up late and hang out at mamak restaurants to catch them instead of having to rise early,” he said.
If France advances to the later stages of the tournament, Wong said he will step things up by hosting watch parties at his home for friends to join in.
For housekeeper Wan Emir, 25, watching World Cup matches at mamak restaurants is customary with his group of friends.
“We have been doing this every four years since we were in school. It is a good excuse to just hang out even if I don’t really support any team.
“I was hoping that Malaysia would somehow qualify since FIFA expanded the number of teams to 48 for this World Cup,” he added.
Production engineer Nixon Lee, 29, said he simply loved the thrill of watching live World Cup matches at mamak eateries with his friends.
“Since it only happens every four years, the atmosphere at the restaurants during big games is really something else.
“I’m rooting for Japan to go far as I always love a good underdog story. And if my friends are not free to hang out with me, I will just watch from home,” he said.
The opening match between Mexico and South Africa kicks off at 3am Malaysian time at the Mexico City Stadium.
