A full-house watch party for the UEFA Champions League final has given newly launched football community Nutmeg FC the confidence to think bigger as it turns its attention to the FIFA World Cup and its broader mission of growing football culture in Bangladesh.
The community's inaugural watch party, held for the Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal, attracted far more interest than its founders had anticipated. Partnering with Smash-n-Stack Burgers in Gulshan 2, Nutmeg FC initially hoped to welcome around 30 football fans. Instead, registrations quickly exceeded expectations, forcing organizers to close sign-ups after 57 attendees confirmed their spots.
According to the organizers, at least 25 additional fans expressed interest but could not be accommodated due to capacity limitations. Interest remained high even after kick-off, with fans continuing to call during halftime in hopes of securing a place. Some were even willing to stand throughout the match, but organizers had no choice but to turn them away.
The successful event marked the beginning of what Nutmeg FC hopes will become a long-term football community movement rather than just a series of watch parties.
"We are excited to announce that we will be hosting watch parties during the World Cup for select group-stage and knockout-stage matches, all the way until the final, of course," said the founders.
Building on the momentum of their first event, Nutmeg FC plans to organize screenings for marquee fixtures involving teams such as Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, England, and Germany, depending on match timings. While selected group-stage matches will be targeted initially, the organization hopes to significantly expand its watch-party schedule during the knockout rounds and host every semifinal and final match.
Fans interested in joining upcoming World Cup watch parties can register through the official registration page link.
The name "Nutmeg FC" may suggest a traditional football club, but the founders emphasize that the "FC" represents a football community rather than a competitive team. Their vision is to create a central platform for football fans in Bangladesh to connect, celebrate the sport, and engage with football culture throughout the year.
Co-founder Rafi Chowdhury traces his football journey back to the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
"I first started following football when I barely understood it during the 1998 FIFA World Cup," he said. "In Bangladesh, cricket dominates mainstream attention and institutional focus. However, football creates an unparalleled level of excitement and community. I believe there is no reason Bangladesh cannot build and nurture a vibrant football culture of its own."
Co-founder Taushif Hayder, who spent much of his childhood and early adulthood in the United States, said football's appeal became apparent only after returning to Bangladesh.
"What captured my attention was how deeply people care about their teams," he said. "Football means community, joy, euphoria, and heartbreak all rolled into one. That's the energy we want to bring with Nutmeg FC."
Beyond watch parties, Nutmeg FC also sells export-quality replica jerseys of World Cup teams produced in Bangladesh, supporting local manufacturers while maintaining high production standards. A new batch of jerseys is scheduled to become available from June 8, with plans to expand into major European club jerseys following the World Cup.
The founders also envision Nutmeg FC playing a role in promoting local football. They intend to produce content highlighting grassroots football across Bangladesh, showcase football fandom in both urban and rural communities, and collaborate with existing supporter groups regardless of club or national team allegiance.
For now, the initiative remains a passion project. Watch-party operations are being financed through founder investment, ticket sales, and jersey revenue. However, the founders believe sustained community growth could eventually attract sponsorship from brands eager to engage with Bangladesh's passionate football audience.
If the response to their first watch party is any indication, that audience is already waiting.
