Malta’s World Cup Fever: Hung, Drawn, and Quartered
In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling Republic Street, you’d have noticed it – the World Cup fever has taken over. Shops have draped themselves in the colours of their favourite teams, and the usual hum of the city is now punctuated by chants and cheers. But this year, things are a little different. The World Cup has been hung, drawn, and quartered, quite literally.
From 32 to 48: The Expansion
The 2022 World Cup, hosted by Qatar, has seen a significant change – the number of participating teams has increased from 32 to 48. This means more matches, more excitement, and more countries vying for the coveted trophy. For Malta, a country that loves its football, this has been a boon. The local pubs and sports bars are packed, with fans cheering for their teams, regardless of where they’re from.
Take The George Pub in Paceville, for instance. On match days, it’s a United Nations of football fans. You’ll find them all there – the die-hard Maltese supporting their beloved Birkirkara and Ħamrun Spartans, the expats cheering for their home teams, and the tourists, drawn in by the infectious energy. The pub’s owner, George Borg, laughs, “We’ve had to bring in extra screens and staff. It’s been madness, but in the best way possible.”
Malta’s Own Football Fever
Malta’s national team might not be in the World Cup this time, but that hasn’t dampened the spirit. The Malta Football Association has been using this opportunity to engage with the local community. They’ve set up fan zones in popular spots like the Triton Square in Bugibba and the Independence Garden in Valletta. Here, families can watch the matches together, enjoy some local food, and even play a bit of football themselves.
Malta’s Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Jose’ Herrera, sees this as an opportunity to promote local tourism too. “We’re seeing an influx of tourists who are here for the World Cup. We’re using this to showcase our culture, our food, and our love for football.”
: What’s Next for Maltese Football?
The World Cup might end, but the passion for football in Malta doesn’t. The local league is set to resume soon, and there’s talk of a new national stadium. The Malta FA is also looking into ways to improve the national team’s ranking, with an eye on future World Cups.
As I walk back down Republic Street, the chants and cheers follow me. The World Cup might be hung, drawn, and quartered, but the spirit of football in Malta is far from over. It’s a spirit that’s infectious, that brings people together, and that’s something we can all cheer for.
