World Cup 26 Fan Festival Myanmar

The World Cup 26 Fan Festival Myanmar is a major public viewing event for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to occur at Yangon’s Thuwunna Stadium from July 14 to 19, 2026. Organized by Mytel, a telecommunications company linked to the Myanmar military, the festival aims to provide a communal viewing experience for the tournament's semi-finals, third-place playoff, and final match. Attractions include a massive LED screen, a variety of food stalls, and live musical performances by notable Myanmar vocalists such as Phyo Gyi, Ni Ni Khin Zaw, and Sandi Myint Lwin.

However, the event has been met with significant resistance, including a widespread boycott by Yangon residents. Locals express severe security concerns, specifically the threat of forced military conscription, and are unwilling to financially support the ruling regime through their attendance. Despite efforts to attract attendees, such as bus transport and ticket promotions, local sources indicate poor ticket sales, with organizers reportedly offering 'buy one, get one free' deals. The many empty seats at Thuwunna Stadium serve as a visible symbol of the ongoing resistance against the 2021 coup and its deep impact on daily life in Myanmar.

Adding to the controversy, the festival has reignited international outrage over FIFA’s decision to grant exclusive 2026 World Cup broadcasting rights in Myanmar to Mytel. As a joint venture between the Myanmar military and Vietnam’s Viettel, Mytel has been a target of consumer boycotts since the 2021 coup and was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2025 for its support to the regime. Rights organizations have condemned FIFA’s agreement, arguing it compels local football fans to financially back the junta if they wish to legally watch the tournament.