In Kathmandu, the World Cup means jerseys, memories and dreams of glory (opens original article in a new tab)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked widespread excitement in Kathmandu, with fans buying jerseys and attending screenings, while vendors report increased sales and some teams' merchandise declining after poor performances.

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup has generated significant fan enthusiasm in Kathmandu, with increased sales of team jerseys and public screenings.
• Fans express personal connections to teams, with some supporting them for decades and others new to the event.
• Jersey vendors report higher footfall and sales, though some teams' merchandise has seen reduced demand after poor match performances.