As the FIFA World Cup 2026 enters the Round of 32 on Monday (June 29, 2026) IST, the streets of coastal villages in Kanniyakumari district, particularly the eight villages that form the Thoothoor zone, has been brimming with excitement, heated debates over favourite teams and players and life-size cut-outs of football stars lining the road.

The Thoothoor zone comprises Erayumanthurai, Poothurai, Thoothoor, Chinnathurai, Eraviputhenthurai, Vallavilai, Marthandanthurai and Neerodi, the last coastal village of the Tamil Nadu bordering Kerala.

The football craze in these villages remains indomitable, with each village having its own football ground and many young men either train the local boys or regularly participate in football sessions themselves.

The Thoothoor zone has also produced some of the notable footballers including Michael Regin, Michael Soosairaj, Raegan Albarnas, Jockson Dhas, M. Viknesh, K. Lijo and John Paul.

Speaking about the villagers’ passion for football, Erayuman Sagar, a Tamil writer and social activist said, “During the World Cup season, these villages light up with a festive atmosphere.” Highlighting the fact that the Thoothoor zone fishermen are renowned for their deep sea fishing skills, he added, “Next to that, they possess great talent in football.”

Mr. Sagar pointed out while fishing is their livelihood, football is the air they breathe. Football is deeply woven into the lives of these people. “From young children to those who head out to sea for their livelihood, almost everyone can be seen wearing a football jersey,” he said.

The passion for football in the region extends beyond men’s football and has also fostered a strong tradition of women’s participation in the sport. Most villages have separate football teams for girls, with villages like Chinnathurai conducting football tournaments exclusively for girls’ teams.

“Even in the 1980s women players from the region represented Tamil Nadu. Through a club called KRYC from the region, the women’s team from this region was particularly strong, and players went on to represent the State team,” Mr. Sagar said.

K. Lijo of Erayumanthurai, who is currently associated with FC Bengaluru United said, football instills discipline among younger generations. He felt at a time when drug abuse is becoming increasingly an issue, boys from the region who take up football are less likely to be drawn towards such harmful influences.

Jockson Dhas from Vallavilai, who had represented Tamil Nadu team in Santosh Trophy and also played for Chennaiyin FC, echoed similar views, stating football keeps youngsters from the region away from unhealthy distractions and excessive mobile phone addiction.

Several players from the regions have secured government jobs in departments including Indian Railway, Income Tax and Food Corporation of India through their sporting achievement. However, there has been a huge concern over the limited opportunities available through the Tamil Nadu government’s sports quota.

M. Viknesh of Poothurai, who represented Kerala in the Santosh trophy, stressed the need for more government employment opportunities through the sports quota, as many youngsters pursue sports with the hope of securing stable government jobs.

Mr. Sagar said the enduring influence of football among the residents of the region can largely be attributed to the strong Catholic presence, which has contributed significantly to nurturing the football culture to thrive in these coastal villages.

In these coastal villages, where fishing sustains livelihoods and football fuels dreams, the sport continues to shape aspirations, foster discipline and unite communities like few other forces can.