The Colombian Football Federation is installing giant screens in several cities to allow fans to watch the 2026 World Cup for free.
These fan zones, known as "Casa de la Sele," aim to foster community support and provide public access to the tournament's matches. By removing the cost of viewing, the initiative seeks to ensure that the excitement of the national team is accessible to all citizens regardless of their financial situation.
The project began with the start of the World Cup group stage on June 8, 2026 [3]. According to the Colombian Football Federation, these designated areas will be established in the country's primary cities to accommodate the public [1]. While some reports focus on specific hubs, other data indicates there are five official fan zones across Colombia [1].
In Bogotá, the screens are located at the Plaza de Bolívar. Cali's viewing area is situated at the Estadio Pascual Guerrero, and Medellín's zone is hosted at the Parque de los Deseos [1, 2].
"The Colombian Football Federation will enable venues in the main cities of the country so that fans can enjoy the matches on giant screens," a spokesperson for the federation said [1].
Local leaders have emphasized the social impact of the project. Juan Camilo Restrepo, the mayor of Medellín, said the Casa de la Sele would arrive in his city with large-format screens so fans could watch without any cost [2]. Similarly, Bogotá Mayor Claudia López said the project seeks to allow all Colombians to experience the emotion of the World Cup as a community, regardless of their location [2].
These public viewing areas are designed to create a festive atmosphere that promotes national unity during the tournament. The coordination between the national football body and local municipal governments ensures that security and logistics are managed at each site to handle the expected crowds.
“"The Casa de la Sele will arrive in Medellín with large-format screens so that fans can watch the matches without any cost."”
The establishment of these fan zones reflects a strategic effort by the Colombian government and football federation to leverage a global sporting event for national social cohesion. By centralizing viewing in high-traffic public squares and stadiums, the authorities are attempting to manage large crowds in controlled environments while maximizing the cultural impact of the national team's performance.
