25,000 People Pack Independence Square - Passionate Night Watching World Cup Final

(Kuala Lumpur, 20th) In the early morning of Monday, Kuala Lumpur’s Independence Square transformed into a giant open-air football field. More than 25,000 fans gathered to watch the live broadcast of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on a giant screen set up by the national broadcaster RTM, filling the venue with an electrifying atmosphere.

This World Cup final between Argentina and Spain was broadcast live as part of the special event “Unity Merdeka x RTM World Cup 2026”. Starting at midnight, local residents of different races and ages, as well as foreign tourists, poured into Independence Square. Although the match officially kicked off at 3am, the place was already packed with people.

As soon as the starting whistle blew, fans rooting for Argentina and Spain wore their respective team jerseys, loudly cheering and chanting, with waves of excitement pushing the atmosphere to its peak.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi also attended, wearing an Argentina national team jersey, and watched this global football spectacle together with tens of thousands of fans.

In a media interview, Fahmi expressed his gratitude to all participating organizations for successfully hosting the event, and congratulated RTM and its strategic partners for providing free live broadcasts throughout the World Cup.

He said the participants included RTM, Telekom Malaysia, CelcomDigi, U Mobile, and other strategic partners, who worked together to make free World Cup broadcasting possible, allowing everyone to join in the celebrations.

“Just at Independence Square tonight, over 25,000 people came to watch the match. I want to congratulate and thank all participating parties.”

Other notable attendees included Kuala Lumpur Chief Police Officer Datuk Fadil, RTM Director Aswar, and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo.

On the other hand, Aswar said he felt proud seeing people of various backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions come together, united by the sporting spirit to enjoy the World Cup.

He mentioned that he also interacted with several tourists from Argentina, who expressed their satisfaction with Malaysians’ enthusiastic response and warm hospitality throughout the World Cup festivities.

Feisakamaruzzaman, a 33-year-old Argentina fan, said this collective viewing experience at Independence Square was completely different from watching at home or at a restaurant.

“To watch at such a large venue, together with so many fans, creates an incredibly contagious atmosphere and much greater sense of satisfaction.”

29-year-old viewer Shikin commented that the giant screen broadcast event once again proved how football can bring people from different backgrounds together, allowing everyone to share in the excitement of sports in a safe, harmonious, and relaxed atmosphere.

The “Unity Merdeka x RTM World Cup 2026” event was co-hosted by the Royal Malaysia Police and RTM, organized through the Care Foundation, with the collaboration of the Kuala Lumpur Police Headquarters.