Messi, Ronaldo And Mbappé are Driving India's Biggest-Ever FIFA World Cup Frenzy
India's football fever peaks as FIFA World Cup 2026 begins without them.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to kick off in Mexico City on June 11, with hosts Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match, but the spotlight is already extending far beyond the pitch. Even though India remains absent from the tournament and continues to wait for its first-ever World Cup appearance since its qualified-but-withdrawn campaign in 1950, football fever in the country is at an all-time high. The global spectacle continues to draw massive attention from Indian fans, making the country one of the most engaged non-participating audiences.
A major reason behind this surge in interest is the continued dominance of global superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé, whose popularity transcends national boundaries. These players have become central to the World Cup narrative, with fans closely following their performances, records, and potential legacy-defining moments. Social media engagement and search trends, including data from platforms like Transfermarkt India, indicate that conversations around these stars often rival interest in the matches themselves.
India’s long-standing football connection with the World Cup traces back more than seven decades, when the national team qualified for the 1950 edition in Brazil but ultimately did not participate. Since then, the country has remained outside the global football showcase, yet interest in the tournament has steadily grown, fuelled by television coverage, digital streaming, and the rising popularity of European club football among Indian audiences.
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As the 2026 edition approaches, analysts note that India’s fan engagement reflects a broader shift in how global sporting events are consumed, with star power playing a key role in driving viewership. While India’s national team continues to build its international profile, the World Cup remains a major cultural event for millions of Indian viewers, who follow it closely through the performances of iconic players and the unfolding drama of the tournament.
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