As the FIFA World Cup 2026 enters the Round of 32 on Monday (June 29, 2026) IST, the streets of coastal villages in Kanniyakumari district, particularly the eight villages that form the Thoothoor zone, has been brimming with excitement, heated debates over favourite teams and players and life-size cut-outs of football stars lining the road.The Thoothoor zone comprises Erayumanthurai, Poothurai, Thoothoor, Chinnathurai, Eraviputhenthurai, Vallavilai, Marthandanthurai and Neerodi, the last coastal village of the Tamil Nadu bordering Kerala.The football craze in these villages remains indomitable, with each village having its own football ground and many young men either train the local boys or regularly participate in football sessions themselves.The Thoothoor zone has also produced some of the notable footballers including Michael Regin, Michael Soosairaj, Raegan Albarnas, Jockson Dhas, M. Viknesh, K. Lijo and John Paul.Speaking about the villagers’ passion for football, Erayuman Sagar, a Tamil writer and social activist said, “During the World Cup season, these villages light up with a festive atmosphere.” Highlighting the fact that the Thoothoor zone fishermen are renowned for their deep sea fishing skills, he added, “Next to that, they possess great talent in football.”Mr. Sagar pointed out while fishing is their livelihood, football is the air they breathe. Football is deeply woven into the lives of these people. “From young children to those who head out to sea for their livelihood, almost everyone can be seen wearing a football jersey,” he said.