World Cup fever grips Kochi, football fans rally through city on double-decker bus

Football fever grips Kochi ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with a football club in the city organising a grand city rally aboard a double-decker bus.

The procession, resembling the opening parade often seen at major international sporting events, brought together football lovers, players and supporters from across the city. Waving flags and celebrating the global game, participants transformed the ride into a moving football festival.

Speaking during the event, members of the Southern Football Club said the rally was organised to embrace the spirit of world football and unite fans ahead of the tournament.

The club, which has been active for the past four years, has regularly conducted football tournaments across Ernakulam district, helping nurture young talent and strengthen the region's football culture.