In bars, public screenings and living rooms, occasional supporters become part of the tournament’s atmosphere without needing years of allegiance. Some discovered Norway through Erling Haaland, only to face mockery after the team’s elimination.
The label “LARPers” was aimed at fans seen as playing a role rather than following the national side’s history. Yet football has always offered several entry points. A dramatic player, a memorable kit or a single captivating match can become the beginning of a genuine attachment.
“Bandwagoning” may sound dismissive, but the World Cup thrives on precisely this ability to create instant emotional investment.
A 2022 survey cited in the report found that 82% of Singaporeans planning to watch the tournament expected to do so with family and friends, while 55% intended to watch with colleagues. Another 61% planned to follow matches in bars and restaurants.
Those figures matter because the appeal is not limited to tactical knowledge. It is about choosing a side, sharing reactions and finding a reason to stay out late - or wake early - with other people. Community centres, where matches are shown alongside free drinks and snacks, extend that welcome beyond commercial venues.
The path to international football often runs through clubs. A supporter might arrive through Arsenal, then recognise Declan Rice or Bukayo Saka in an England shirt. Others may begin with a player’s social-media presence before learning the wider story of a team.
That is not a lesser form of fandom. It is how football expands.
The next challenge for Singapore’s new World Cup audience will come after the final whistle: whether a temporary tournament habit becomes a lasting connection to clubs, countries and the weekly rhythm of the sport.