Lucknow: With the FIFA World Cup 2026 buzz building steadily, football fever has gripped the city’s streets and markets, with young fans snapping up jerseys of global icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. From Gomti Nagar to Chowk, shopkeepers say demand for football merchandise has surged since the beginning of June, with jerseys of Argentina, Portugal, Brazil, England, Spain, Germany and France emerging as the top picks. “I have sold more football jerseys this week than in the last three months combined. Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar jerseys are always in demand, but this time even Mbappe and Yamal kits are selling fast. The demand usually rises during the World Cup, but this time youngsters are buying jerseys of both their favourite players and teams,” said Imran Khan, a sportswear shop owner in Aminabad. For many football enthusiasts, the World Cup is not just about watching matches but also expressing their loyalty. “I am rooting for Argentina again. They lifted the trophy in 2022 and they will do it again. Messi deserves at least one more World Cup. He has given us so many wonderful memories, and finishing his international career with a second World Cup would be a perfect goodbye. I did not wash my jersey throughout the last World Cup and will follow the same ritual,” said Argentina fan Sameer Mishra. Shreshtha Tomar, a Neymar fan, said, “France is looking strong again. Last time they were unlucky, but this time they will be hungry for another World Cup. I bought both the home and away France kits with Mbappe’s name printed on them and a Brazil jersey with Neymar’s name on it. But I also want Neymar to become world champion.” Ronaldo fan Sarthak Vijay Singh said he wants Portugal to win the World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo and believes the current Portugal squad is the strongest the country has ever fielded at the tournament. “It is his last chance to claim the title,” he said, adding that he has bought both the retro Portugal jersey from the 2006 World Cup and the latest Portugal jersey with Ronaldo’s name on it. Local football fans are also planning screenings and themed gatherings. “We are setting up a big screen for the matches. Most people here are supporting Spain and Germany, but there is a strong fan base for England as well. We will set up a projector in our room, and all our friends will watch the matches together,” said football enthusiast Ansh Anil Singh. Another Ronaldo fan, Class 10 student Aarav Mishra, said he supports Portugal because of Ronaldo. “He is my idol, and I think Portugal can surprise everyone this year. I bought both the home and away kits,” he said. Not only football fans but also social media influencers are buying World Cup jerseys to create content during the tournament. “During the FIFA World Cup, the content algorithm goes global, so I have bought several jerseys just for creating content, including those of Belgium, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Spain and even the USA to maximise reach,” said social media influencer Sanchita Rai.
