Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545453
9 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 19 JUNE 2026 CULTURE THE Għajnsielem World Cup Village is now officially open at Ta' Passi Fields, with the pub- lic screening hub already un- derway since its launch on 11 June 2026. The open-air venue in Għa- jnsielem has been transformed into a dedicated football view- ing space for the FIFA World Cup 2026, offering residents and visitors the chance to fol- low matches collectively under the Gozitan summer sky. Running until 19 July 2026, the village is screening match- es from the tournament being staged across Canada, Mexico and the United States, provid- ing Gozo with its own local focal point for international football. The site is a familiar one to many locals, having previously hosted major sea- sonal events such as Bethlehem f'Għajnsielem. For the sum- mer, howev- er, the fields have been repurposed in- to a football-centric gather- ing space, designed to accom- modate families, visitors, and sports fans throughout the tournament period. Organisers say the aim is to encourage a shared viewing atmosphere, replacing soli- tary television watching with a communal experience built around live sport, food and en- tertainment. While match sched- ules, food offerings and activities may vary throughout the tour- nament, organisers are urging visitors to follow the official Għajnsielem World Cup Village social me- dia pages for up-to-date in- formation. Due to expected demand dur- ing key fixtures, attendees are being advised to arrive early and plan transport in advance, particularly on busy match nights when access roads and parking areas may be under in- creased pressure. Għajnsielem's proximity to Mġarr Harbour is expected to make it a convenient destina- tion for visitors arriving from Malta, with organisers also encouraging guests to explore nearby localities such as Qala, Nadur, Xewkija and Victoria when attending screenings. Where to watch the World Cup in Gozo One of Gozo's best-known Christmas locations will swap shepherds, stables and nativity scenes for football, f lags and big-match energy The World Cup Village remains open until 19 July 2026