Football fans watch the game at Hoang Phat 6 cafe.
Early in the morning of June 18th, Kieu Cafe on Vo Van Kiet Street (Phu Loi Ward) was buzzing with chatter. On the large screen, the match between Uzbekistan and Colombia at the 2026 World Cup was underway. Despite the Asian team's early defeat, many people remained engrossed in watching until the very last minutes.
Tran Quoc Khanh, 32, a sales employee in Phu Loi ward, said: “I cheered for Uzbekistan because I wanted Asian teams to make their mark at the World Cup. They played very hard, and at times they made things difficult for Colombia. Although they lost 1-3, Uzbekistan showed the progress of Asian football.”
It's not just matches involving big teams that attract viewers. Many fans in Can Tho also pay special attention to Asian representatives such as Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq. The fact that Asia has nine teams participating in this year's World Cup makes fans feel closer to the tournament and gives them more reason to follow it.
At a cafe on Bui Huu Nghia Street (Binh Thuy Ward), the owner has placed a 60-inch television in the most visible location. Whenever there's a noteworthy match, the cafe is packed with customers of all ages, from high school students to those who have been following football for decades.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hieu, the owner of the restaurant, shared: “For about two weeks now, the number of customers has increased significantly. Many people come early to choose seats to watch the exciting matches. On some days, all the tables are occupied from the beginning to the end of the match. The World Cup still has a very special appeal to fans.”
In the central Ninh Kieu area, the football atmosphere was even more vibrant. At Hoang Phat 6 cafe on Tran Van Hoai street, the match between South Korea and host Mexico on the morning of June 19th attracted a large audience. Many students, workers, and even elderly people focused their eyes on the screen whenever the South Korean team launched an attack.
Le Minh Tam, a student at Can Tho University, said: “I’ve been following Son Heung-min for many years, so I hardly ever miss a South Korean match. The World Cup is an opportunity to enjoy top-level matches and experience the football atmosphere with friends. Watching in a crowded cafe is still more exciting than watching alone at home.”
According to many fans, despite their busy schedules, they still try to find time to watch their favorite matches. Matches played in the morning or evening are preferred, while many choose to rewatch late-night games on television or digital platforms.
Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, 58 years old, residing in Ninh Kieu ward, shared: “I have been following the World Cup since the 1980s. Each World Cup has its own unique appeal. Now, with the development of technology, watching football is much more convenient, but the feeling of anticipation for each big match remains unchanged.”
This year's World Cup features more matches as the tournament expands to 48 teams. And football fans in Can Tho still follow the tournament in their own way, choosing exciting matches, favorite teams, or beloved stars to support.
From bustling cafes in the city center to tranquil street corners on the outskirts, the World Cup ball rolls through the rhythm of daily life. Though times may change, the love for the beautiful game remains ever-present in the hearts of its fans.
NGUYEN MINH
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/khong-khi-world-cup-ron-rang-nhieu-noi-a207916.html
