KATHMANDU: The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off on Thursday midnight, bringing football fever to fans across the globe. For the first time, the tournament is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and features an expanded format with 48 teams and 1,248 players.
A total of 104 matches will be played across 16 stadiums in 16 cities during the month-long football spectacle.
As the world’s biggest sporting event gets underway, Nepal is no exception to the excitement. Although Nepal failed to qualify for the tournament, many Nepali football enthusiasts have travelled to North America to witness the matches firsthand, while millions more are preparing to cheer for their favourite teams from home.
For those who have dedicated their lives to the game, however, the World Cup holds a special significance. Former captains of the Nepali national football team, who once led the country’s footballing aspirations on the field, are following the tournament with keen interest and strong opinions about the title contenders.
Ganesh Thapa backs Argentina once again
Former national team captain and former ANFA president Ganesh Thapa plans to enjoy the World Cup from home this year. Although he rarely follows football outside Nepal’s international matches, the World Cup remains an exception for the veteran football figure.
A loyal supporter of Argentina since the 1982 World Cup, Thapa remains confident that the reigning champions have what it takes to lift the trophy once again.
“I have been supporting Argentina since 1982, and I believe they can win the World Cup again this time,” Thapa said.
While Argentina remains his first choice, Thapa also has a soft spot for Portugal, particularly because this could be the final World Cup appearance of captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
“The strongest contenders are France, Germany, England, Brazil, Spain and Argentina,” he said. “But if Argentina does not win, I would like to see Portugal become champions because this could be Ronaldo’s last World Cup.”
As the tournament unfolds, football lovers across Nepal—including former national captains—will be closely watching to see whether their predictions come true.
Upendra Man Singh remains loyal to Germany
Former Nepal captain and veteran goalkeeper Upendra Man Singh, who guarded Nepal’s goalpost for more than a decade and played against several of Asia’s strongest teams, remains a steadfast supporter of Germany.
A fan of the German national team since the 1990 World Cup, Singh is hopeful that Germany can reclaim football’s biggest prize despite a disappointing decade on the international stage.
“I have been supporting Germany since childhood and I continue to support the same team,” said Singh. “This time, most matches are scheduled around midnight, so I have no plans to go out. I will watch the games from home.”
Hari Khadka hopes for Ronaldo’s fairytale ending
One of Nepal’s most successful strikers, former captain Hari Khadka, plans to follow the World Cup with friends in Nepal. The tournament holds a different significance for him this time as he watches it not only as a football enthusiast but also as the Technical Director of ANFA.
“In the past, I watched the World Cup from a player’s perspective. This time, I will be watching it as a coach, and I am excited because tournaments like this offer valuable learning opportunities,” Khadka said.
Nepal’s all-time leading scorer with 13 international goals supported Argentina during the previous World Cup and celebrated Lionel Messi’s triumph. This time, however, his support lies elsewhere.
“Last time, I wanted Messi to win the title, and he did. Since this is likely Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup, I would like to see Portugal succeed. My best wishes are with Portugal,” he said.
Rakesh Shrestha backs Argentina but warns of European threats
Former Nepal captain Rakesh Shrestha, only the second defender after Rajukaji Shakya to captain the national team, has been following the World Cup closely since the late 1990s.
A passionate admirer of South American football, Shrestha has long been impressed by the styles of Argentina and Brazil and pays relatively less attention to European club football.
This year, he is backing Argentina to defend its crown but believes European giants France and Spain could emerge as serious contenders.
“I hope Argentina wins the World Cup again. However, France and Spain look extremely strong this time,” he said.
Currently serving as head coach of Nepal’s U-16 women’s national team, Shrestha admits the late-night schedule poses a challenge.
“It becomes difficult when matches run from midnight until dawn,” he said. “I will watch most of the group-stage matches at home. Once the knockout rounds begin, I hope to enjoy some of the bigger games with friends.”
Anil Gurung puts academy duties ahead of World Cup trip
Former national team captain Anil Gurung had initially planned to travel to the United States to experience the World Cup atmosphere firsthand. However, commitments to his football academy forced him to postpone the trip.
Gurung, who runs the AG-10 Football Academy, said preparations for an upcoming youth tournament in Denmark made it impossible to travel to North America.
“I had planned to visit the United States and watch the World Cup while I was there,” he said. “But I couldn’t make the trip because of academy commitments. We are taking our academy players to Denmark for a tournament.”
Anil believes the expanded 48-team format makes predicting the eventual champion more difficult than in previous editions.
“I have supported England since childhood. Despite having one of the strongest domestic leagues in the world, England has struggled to win major tournaments,” he said.
While hoping England finally ends its long wait for World Cup glory, Gurung believes several nations have realistic title aspirations.
“With so many teams involved, it is difficult to predict the winner before the knockout stage. Argentina, France, the Netherlands and Germany are all among the strong contenders,” he said.
As the FIFA World Cup unfolds across North America, Nepal’s former captains will be watching closely—each carrying their own loyalties, memories and expectations. While their preferred teams differ, they share a common passion for the game and a deep appreciation for football’s greatest stage.
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