KUALA LUMPUR: Football fever is in the air at Dataran Merdeka as thousands of fans arrive hours ahead of the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup final set to take place early Monday (July 20) morning.
Decked out in either Spain or Argentina national football jerseys, hundreds of die-hard fans could be seen claiming viewing spots among the prepared seating areas at the World Cup X Uniti Merdeka 2026 Fiesta here.
Many were also spotted setting up tents and picnic mats to rest in as they patiently await the start of the World Cup’s final between Spain and Argentina, set to begin at 3am on Monday.
The World Cup final, which will be aired on Malaysia's largest outdoor screen at Dataran Merdeka, is but one of the many fiesta attractions alongside various booths and food stalls.
The crowd will not be left bored as various local singers and performances of the Uniti Merdeka Festival 2026 concert are set to keep attendees entertained up until 1am before the kick-off.
Among the artists performing in the pre-final concert are Datuk Yusry Halim, Shiha Zikir, Nabila Razali, Bunga, Zynakal, Luqman Podolski, Kmy Kmo & Luca Sickta, and Kidd Santhe.
Argentina fan Khairul Anuar, 42, said he and his family arrived at Dataran Merdeka as early as 5pm on Sunday (July 19) to secure an ideal spot to watch the game from.
“Fortunately, it was not as packed as I thought it was gonna be and we easily found a perfect spot among the prepared seating areas.
“We then took our time exploring the nearby festivities and booths to buy some drinks and snacks before the concert began,” Khairul, who works as a private driver, said.
He added that they also came early from their home in Damansara to avoid possible traffic congestion near Dataran Merdeka.
“I am here to potentially witness history as Messi lifts his second World Cup trophy in a row,” he added.
Meanwhile, visual editor Ikram Daud, 36, said he arrived from Ampang with his girlfriend at 8pm to check out the event.
“We have always tried to watch the World Cup finals at the biggest public venue we could find because the hype and energy from the crowd is the thing that makes watching the game so unique.
“With the (viewing) being at Dataran Merdeka this year, we are expecting something really special, especially since Spain and Argentina are among the top four teams in the world,” said Ikram.
He added that he is also rooting for Spain this year as his girlfriend is a lifelong Spain fan.
Over 300,000 people are expected to gather and watch the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in Kuala Lumpur alone.
Argentina fan and personal driver Khairul Anuar, 42, posing for a picture with his family as they eagerly await the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final during the World Cup X Uniti Merdeka 2026 Fiesta watchparty at 8pm on July 19. - CHAN TAK KONG
