Arabic version: مشجع يمني يواجه تحديات خلال كأس العالم 2026

In Mukalla, Yemen, football enthusiast Adel Mohsen is facing significant challenges as he tries to enjoy the World Cup 2026. With a broken backup battery and a fuel shortage affecting his mobility, Adel has found it difficult to watch matches. He has been a devoted follower of the World Cup since 1982, but this year’s conditions have made it particularly tough. According to Al Jazeera, he expressed frustration over missing matches due to power cuts and financial constraints.

Despite paying for a local television subscription, Adel could not afford the necessary backup battery or internet vouchers to stream games. Consequently, he has resorted to watching matches at a public venue, where the atmosphere is far from the familial gatherings of his youth. The local stadium’s courtyard was filled with the sounds of generators, just managing to power the projector for the opening match between South Africa and Mexico.

Adel’s love for football has been a constant in his life, even through decades of war and economic strife in Yemen. He recalls the first World Cup he watched in 1982, which left a lasting impression on him. The memories of watching games with his family and friends remain vivid, contrasting sharply with the current realities of power outages and limited access to entertainment.

As he watches the tournament unfold, Adel reflects on the historical context of football in Yemen. He has experienced various political and economic crises, yet he views sports as a necessary escape from hardship. “What do they want us to do – commit suicide? Sports give us a brief escape from all the hardships around us,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of football in providing relief during tough times.