Shillong to have free football fan park to celebrate FIFA World Cup 2026

Shillong, June 26 (IANS) The Meghalaya government is set to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2026 uniquely with the launch of the Chief Minister's Football Fan-Park in Shillong on Friday, providing enthusiasts with a free public venue to watch selected matches on giant LED screens, officials said. 

The fan park, to be established at the S.R.G.T. Parking Lot in Polo, aims to transform match screenings into a community celebration by bringing together football lovers from across the state and visiting tourists under one roof during the month-long global tournament.

According to the state government, the venue will screen selected FIFA World Cup matches scheduled at convenient viewing hours for Indian audiences, including kick-offs at 9.30 p.m., 10.30 p.m. and 12.30 a.m., allowing fans to enjoy the action in a vibrant public atmosphere.

Entry to the fan park will be free throughout the tournament for both residents and visitors.

Besides live match screenings, the venue will feature performances by artistes associated with the Chief Minister's Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme, blending the state's passion for football with its rich cultural and musical heritage.

Officials said the initiative has been designed not only to provide an immersive viewing experience but also to strengthen community engagement through sports and cultural activities.

The government believes such public events will further nurture Meghalaya's long-standing football tradition and encourage greater participation among young enthusiasts.

Football enjoys immense popularity in Meghalaya, where the sport has produced several accomplished players and continues to attract large crowds for local and national competitions.

The state government has, in recent years, stepped up investments in sports infrastructure and grassroots talent development with an objective of establishing Meghalaya as one of India's leading sporting destinations.

The Chief Minister's Football Fan-Park is part of these broader efforts to create vibrant public spaces centred on sports, culture and community participation, said officials.

The initiative also complements the government's ambitious plan to build what it describes as India's largest football stadium at Mawkhnau, a project expected to significantly enhance Meghalaya's sporting infrastructure and reinforce its reputation as one of the country's strongest football hubs.

--IANS

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