World Cup screenings at mosques and churches

In a media reply, an An-Nur Mosque spokesperson said the event is open to both boys and girls, with 20 having already signed up so far.

The mosque saw the quadrennial tournament as “a meaningful opportunity to engage youths through a shared interest in football”, according to the spokesperson, who added: “Beyond simply watching the match together, the programme aims to encourage more youths to step into the mosque and view it as a welcoming and comfortable space to gather, build friendships, and strengthen their connection with the Muslim community.

“Through initiatives like this, we also hope to foster long-term engagement by encouraging participants to join future mosque programmes and, eventually, inspire them to serve the community as volunteers or youth leaders within the mosque.”

Sultan Mosque, a Kampong Gelam icon, will begin its Beyond The Final event at 2am on July 20 with prayers before screening the final from 3am to 5.44am, when it will break for prayers.

The Church of The Immaculate Heart of Mary in Serangoon will also be screening the final with a community potluck on July 20, the first time it is organising such an event.

In a media reply, its head of parish communication, Henry Ramas, said about 70 people – an even mix of adults and children – had registered as at the afternoon of July 18. He added that the church expects around 100 to 130 attendees on the day.

The church’s Reverend Father Timothy Yeo, an avid football fan, had suggested hosting a World Cup final watch party as a “wonderful way to bring the community together in celebration”, Ramas said.

It would be a “low-barrier” opportunity to start conversations as well as “a safe, family-oriented” alternative to going to a pub, Ramas added.

The screenings by the religious institutions join those held by commercial and community entities, and even at least one school, as the World Cup, which began on June 11, reaches its climax.

Defending champions Argentina, led by its talisman Lionel Messi, are aiming to become only the third team in history to retain their World Cup title in New Jersey.

Spain, who won the tournament in 2010, are playing in the final for the first time since their victory in South Africa.