The world’s biggest football spectacle gets underway today, drawing global attention to stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico for the next month.

Although the tournament is being played thousands of miles away, World Cup fever has already gripped Kathmandu. Streets, clubs, restaurants, lounges and public venues across Kathmandu are preparing to host fans eager to follow the action.

Like millions of supporters around the world, Nepali football enthusiasts are expected to stay up through the night to cheer for their favourite teams. But alongside the excitement, security officials say public safety, noise control and compliance with the law will remain key concerns throughout the tournament.

Every World Cup leaves a visible impact across the country, despite Nepal not participating in the competition. Dozens of clubs, hotels, party venues, lounges and football fan groups in Kathmandu Valley are expected to organise public screenings on giant screens.

According to Deputy Inspector General of Police Abi Narayan Kafle, spokesperson for Nepal Police, police have implemented special monitoring and security measures to ensure celebrations remain orderly.

Superintendent of Police Pawan Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Police Range, said football fans and businesses are free to watch and broadcast matches, but authorities will not tolerate violations of public safety rules, excessive noise or disruptions to public order.

“People can watch and screen matches as long as safety standards are respected,” Bhattarai told Kantipur on Thursday. “Venues using large screens must ensure the safety of spectators and the general public. Excessive noise is not allowed, and organisers must not use loud sound systems or intense lighting that could disturb nearby residents.”

Hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs may screen matches within their premises, he said, provided they do not inconvenience surrounding communities. Police have also instructed venues using projectors, large monitors or giant screens to arrange adequate parking facilities.

Kathmandu police said they would conduct regular inspections throughout the World Cup. Security plans will be reviewed daily and adjusted if necessary based on crowd management and operational requirements.

As of Thursday afternoon, authorities had already issued permits for public screenings in several locations, including Gaurighat, Syuchatar, Bensigaun in Gokarneshwar, Lazimpat, New Baneshwar, Budhanilkantha and Gairidhara.

Senior Superintendent of Police Dilip Ghimire, chief of the Kathmandu District Police Range, said clubs, party venues and other organisations planning to host public screenings must obtain permission from the District Administration Office.

“Betting and gambling are prohibited,” Ghimire said. “Excessive public disturbance will not be tolerated. Roads must not be obstructed, and organisers must comply with existing laws.”

Police have also instructed organisers to deploy volunteers to assist with crowd control and support security arrangements at screening venues.

Kathmandu Chief District Officer Ishwarraj Paudel said permits would be issued only after organisers formally committed to complying with administrative requirements.

“We have received some applications,” Paudel said. “The administration is also preparing a clear set of guidelines that organisers must follow while screening World Cup matches.”

The Nepal Police headquarters has placed all units on heightened alert during the tournament. Kafle said special instructions had been issued nationwide to prevent betting, online gambling and other unlawful activities.

“Nepal Police are on high alert throughout the World Cup period,” he said. “All police units will remain active to prevent betting, online gambling and other undesirable activities.”

Based on experiences from previous tournaments, police said controlling alcohol-related disturbances, illegal substance use, fights, unruly crowds and betting would be among their key priorities. Plainclothes officers and additional patrols will also be deployed in coordination with local security committees.

Kathmandu’s tourist district of Thamel is expected to be among the focal points of World Cup activity. The area is home to more than 250 restaurants, dining establishments, pubs, cafés, lounges and clubs.

According to Dhruba Adhikari, president of the Thamel Tourism Development Council, businesses have been formally urged to stay away from gambling and betting-related activities during the tournament.

“We have asked all businesses to refrain from activities such as wagering and betting,” Adhikari said. “If anyone is found organising such activities, they should immediately inform the local administration.”

He said Thamel no longer experiences the level of disorder and street disturbances seen in the past, with most establishments now operating in a family-friendly environment.

According to Adhikari, more than 50 clubs and lounges equipped with large screens are preparing to broadcast matches live, including Club Nova, which can accommodate around 4,000 people, and LOD, which has a capacity of about 1,000.

Most major venues have installed soundproofing systems, he said, reducing concerns over noise pollution. He added that businesses were coordinating closely with authorities to ensure orderly entertainment throughout the tournament.

Thamel is also expected to attract large crowds because of its round-the-clock operating permit. The tourist district was authorised to operate 24 hours a day during the tenure of former home minister Rabi Lamichhane, allowing many venues to screen matches scheduled after midnight and in the early morning hours.

In Lalitpur, however, no permits for public World Cup screenings had been issued as of Thursday. Senior Superintendent of Police Tul Bahadur Karki, chief of the Lalitpur District Police Range, said residents had been urged to enjoy the tournament while complying with the law, and necessary instructions had already been issued to subordinate police units.

Football enthusiasm is building across Kathmandu as the World Cup begins. But authorities have urged supporters and organisers alike to celebrate responsibly and within the bounds of the law.

This year’s FIFA World Cup is the largest edition in the tournament’s history. For the first time, 48 nations are taking part in the competition. A total of 104 matches will be played across 16 host cities.