Six Guangdong cities bring World Cup fever to the big screen

As soccer fans across China gathered to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup, six cities in Guangdong province transformed cinemas into lively fan zones, blending the excitement of the tournament with local culture and showcasing a new model for sports entertainment.

Organized by China Media Group, with China Film Group serving as its designated partner, the nationwide theater screening event saw Guangdong emerge as the most active participating province. Foshan, Dongguan, Zhuhai, Shaoguan, Zhaoqing, and Yangjiang all hosted screenings, making Guangdong the province with the largest number of participating cities and some of the most distinctive local celebrations.

Centered on the theme "Connecting My City to the World," the event attracted nearly 1,000 soccer fans across the six cities, combining live match screenings with regional food, performances and fan activities.

Each city added its own local flavor to the experience. In Dongguan, a soccer-themed market offered supporters a chance to watch matches while browsing merchandise and sampling the city's famous roasted goose. In Zhaoqing, fans dressed in yellow jerseys beat drums, chanted together and sang classic Cantonese songs, creating a stadium-like atmosphere inside the cinema.

Foshan highlighted its popular Xijia Football League, where father-and-son players appeared at the venue to interact with audiences while fans waved customized cheering towels. In Zhuhai, supporters wearing blue jerseys held handmade signs and cheered throughout the screening.

Shaoguan combined soccer with local cultural traditions. A welcoming photo installation greeted visitors, while halftime performances featured northern Guangdong's typical tea-picking dance. In Yangjiang, the event opened with energetic drum performances and cheerleading shows, filling the theater with a festive atmosphere before kickoff.

Together, the six cities presented a vivid showcase of Lingnan culture while demonstrating the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's openness and vitality.

The theater screening campaign also reflects Guangdong's continued exploration of diversified "cinema-plus" business models that integrate sports, culture and entertainment. Organizers believe the initiative offers a practical example of how cinemas can expand beyond traditional film exhibition, while providing a replicable model for promoting grassroots sports participation and developing new cultural consumption scenarios nationwide.