Sports 19 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandans Embrace Late Nights for World Cup Thrills
The 2026 World Cup's North American schedule means many matches kick off late in Uganda, forcing fans to choose between sleep and the beautiful game, with passion for football often winning out. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/world-cup/ugandan-forfeit-sleep-for-the-beautiful-game-5502888
Millions of Ugandans are dedicating their nights to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sacrificing sleep to follow the global showpiece hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The significant time difference means many crucial matches begin long after midnight in Kampala, often stretching into the early morning hours.
This familiar World Cup tradition pits the love of football against the need for rest. Across cities like Kampala, sports bars and video halls have extended their hours, with giant screens lighting up the night as fans gather to watch international stars compete. Business owners are capitalizing on the demand, boosting sales of food, drinks, and coffee to support the late-night viewers.
For working Ugandans, the scramble to keep up involves strategic choices, prioritizing games involving African nations or traditional powerhouses. Lawyer Joel Otim, for instance, stayed awake to watch Brazil’s 1 am match against Morocco, adopting daytime naps to cope. Others, like sales agent Racheal Mbabazi, who is already accustomed to early mornings, find the schedule less disruptive.
However, balancing work with late-night viewing remains a challenge for some, like enforcement officer Elly Abaho, who sometimes sleeps through games and rushes to work afterwards. Students on holiday, such as Jemimah Nakiyimba, find it easier to follow the tournament without academic pressures. “Sleep can wait,” she commented, emphasizing the rarity of witnessing such global talent.
For those unable to watch live, highlights and replays offer a way to stay connected. Despite the fatigue and the need for extra coffee, the enthusiasm for the World Cup is palpable, with discussions about teams and controversial calls dominating daily conversations. Jerseys of nations like Brazil, France, and Portugal are a common sight.
Notably, Uganda’s NBA fans are already accustomed to these late hours, as viewing basketball from North America requires similar adjustments. The World Cup in North America presents a different experience than the Qatar tournament’s convenient East African viewing times, but for many, the sacrifice is well worth it for the quadrennial event. “Sleep can wait. Football cannot.”