Fireworks light up the sky above People's Plaza in Hyderabad as jubilant Spain supporters celebrate their team's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, on Monday (July 20, 2026)
| Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G
Football fever gripped Hyderabad well past midnight as hundreds of fans gathered at People’s Plaza in Necklace Road despite intermittent rain, to watch Spain defeat Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final on a giant screen in the early hours of Monday (July 20, 2026). The open-air screening turned into a carnival of football, with cheers, fireworks and emotional celebrations keeping the fans in the city awake until dawn nearly.People began arriving at the venue on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, with the crowd steadily swelling as kick-off approached. Organisers had set up a large LED screen at the plaza, while a heavy police presence was deployed to manage the gathering and ensure smooth movement of traffic.By the time the match began at 12.30 a.m., the ground was filled with supporters wearing football jerseys, waving flags and chanting for their favourite teams. Even persistent drizzle failed to deter fans, many of whom came prepared with raincoats and umbrellas. Others improvised, covering their heads with plastic sheets, while several who had arrived on two-wheelers simply kept their helmets on to shield themselves from the rain.
