With just hours left before the first whistle of the FIFA World Cup 2026, football fever has well and truly taken over parts of India. From giant cutouts and colourful banners to street screenings and fan gatherings, the excitement surrounding the biggest tournament in world football is hard to miss.

Nowhere is that passion more visible than in Keralam, a state where football has long enjoyed a special place in people's hearts. Although India is not participating in the tournament, that has done little to dampen the enthusiasm. Across towns and villages, fans have decorated streets with the flags of their favourite nations.