HYDERABAD: The 2026 FIFA World Cup, billed as the biggest combat sport event, has added new technologies for telecast. But Indian viewers have been left disappointed as match timings do not suit pubs, clubs or sports bars for live screenings. The only saving grace was the Argentina–Egypt match at 9 pm on Tuesday, which drew large crowds for public screenings.

Jayesh of Ten Downing Street, Gachibowli, said the turnout was huge as the match coincided with business hours. Fans arrived in team jerseys and enjoyed the pulsating contest. “During live screenings customers are in their best mood and business improves, similar to cricket matches,” he said.

The World Cup features 104 matches. Fans in Hyderabad have picked favourite countries and star players, with social media reels and updates adding to the craze. However, the timings in host nations USA, Canada and Mexico do not align with Indian hours.

Varun Peter Jaldi, a corporate employee, said he and his IT colleagues usually watch matches together at sports bars. “This time the FIFA timings did not suit us. We miss the hangouts,” he said.

Mahmood Ali, wealth manager and former soccer player, said several legendary players are making their last FIFA appearance, drawing fan attention. “Because of the timings we are forced to watch at home or catch repeat telecasts. In the last World Cup we watched at Nizam Club as timings were suitable. This time it failed,” he said.

Cricket World Cups have fewer than 50 matches but generate huge revenue from screenings in Hyderabad. FIFA, with more than 100 matches, has not matched that impact.

Ketan Agarwal, director of Fat Pigeon, Chubby Cho and Peanuts pubs, said: “FIFA brings revenue worldwide, but here the timings and government restrictions hit screenings. The big game failed to bring much business to Hyderabad.”