Football fans in Kuwait are grappling with the challenges posed by the time difference between their country and the host nations of the current FIFA World Cup in North America. While enthusiasm for the tournament remains high, the varied kickoff times—ranging from early morning to late evening—have complicated live viewing for many supporters.

Several local fans expressed difficulties balancing the World Cup schedule with daily routines, especially work and sleep. Abu Talal, a supporter of Portugal, highlighted the contrast with previous tournaments, which tended to align better with Gulf Standard Time. He noted that while some matches are broadcast at more convenient times such as 7 p.m. or 10 p.m., others begin as early as 4 a.m. or 7 a.m., making it hard for viewers to follow every game live. “Four in the morning is when many people are asleep, while seven in the morning coincides with the start of the workday for a large segment of the audience,” he said. Consequently, Talal and others are relying heavily on replay broadcasts to stay updated.

Similarly, Omar, a Tunisian resident living in Kuwait, said the early morning fixtures pose a significant challenge for fans with daytime jobs. “The timings are a big problem because some matches are played very early. You have to wake up long before work to watch them,” he remarked. Despite the inconvenience, he acknowledged that viewers must adapt to the circumstances.

Ahmad Subhi, originally from Egypt and currently residing in Kuwait, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the time differences have been a major barrier to watching matches live. Subhi explained that many games during the tournament begin in the late-night or early-morning hours in Kuwait, which has limited his ability to watch in real time. “I’m one of those people who doesn’t stay up late,” he said, adding that he has increasingly depended on highlights and recaps to follow the competition. Subhi also pointed out that matches played after dawn tend to attract fewer viewers and lack the usual energetic atmosphere.

Despite these scheduling obstacles, interest in the World Cup remains robust among Kuwaiti fans, particularly for high-profile games featuring leading national teams. Most have adjusted by prioritizing live viewing of key matches while catching up on others through recorded broadcasts or summaries. The need to balance enthusiasm for football with everyday responsibilities underscores the evolving viewing habits influenced by the tournament’s North American venue.