FIFA World Cup 2026 : Mauritians Making Memories at Football’s Biggest Stage

From packed stadiums and lively fan zones to neighbourhoods decorated with national flags, Mauritians living in North America are experiencing the FIFA World Cup 2026 in a memorable way. For many, the tournament has become more than football: it is a celebration of passion, family, shared memories and Mauritian pride far from home.

Dawood Auckbaraullee: “Experiencing the FIFA World Cup in Georgia, USA has been phenomenal”

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For Dawood Auckbaraullee, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is far more than a football tournament. It is a family experience, a moment of pride, and a reminder of the deep sporting memories that connect his Mauritian roots to his life in Georgia, USA.
Originally from Cité Martial, Port Louis, Dawood now lives in Georgia, where he runs SDS Inc., a logistics company. He has been married to his wife, Sabanah Boodoo, since 1998. Together, they have two children: Fardeen, an engineer in Atlanta, and Zareen, who is currently doing her internship “right at the heart of the action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.”

“My family has deep roots here,” Dawood shares. His parents, Cassam Auckbaraullee and Khatijia Bibi, have lived in the area since the mid-1980s. That long-standing connection makes this World Cup feel even more special.

A Full-Circle Sporting Journey

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For Dawood, experiencing football’s biggest event in Atlanta carries a profound emotional significance.

“Experiencing the FIFA World Cup here in Georgia has been phenomenal, especially given my family’s historic connection to Atlanta sports,” he says.

His memories stretch back to the 1996 Olympic Games, when Atlanta welcomed the world for another major sporting event.
“Back in 1996, my brother-in-law, Chef Joonas, and my sister, Shirin Hyath, owned a restaurant called ‘La Bonne Cuisine’ where we proudly served the Mauritian Olympic teams. Now, 30 years later, the sporting world has returned. It has been amazing to see the city come alive, and our family has been fully immersed in the celebrations.”

For Dawood, the World Cup has become another historic chapter in his family’s long relationship with Atlanta’s sporting legacy.

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Living the World Cup as a Family

The tournament has become a truly family affair.

His daughter, Zareen, is enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through her internship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, one of the tournament’s host venues. Other members of the family have also embraced the World Cup fever.

“The atmosphere surrounding the World Cup where we live is absolutely electric and deeply personal for us,” Dawood states.
“My daughter, Zareen, gets to experience the buzz directly through her internship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, while my brother Rashid, his wife Koreisha, and their daughter Tasneem were right in the thick of it, soaking up the incredible energy at the FIFA Fan Fest during England’s intense knockout round.”

He says the multicultural atmosphere has been one of the highlights of the tournament. “Seeing football fans from so many different nationalities come together in Atlanta creates a unique, welcoming, and high-energy environment unlike anything else.”

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A Heart That Beats for Brazil

Although he has built his life in the United States, Dawood’s football allegiance has never changed. “I am proudly supporting Brasil. Their beautiful style of play and historic football culture have always captivated me,” he says. 

Living in North America has only amplified the excitement. “While living in North America hasn’t changed my love for the Seleção, the energy here has certainly heightened the excitement of following them throughout the tournament.”

When it comes to predicting the tournament’s outcome, Dawood has little doubt. “Based on everything I have seen so far, I confidently predict that Brasil will lift the FIFA World Cup trophy,” he asserts.

Yet despite backing Brazil, he believes one player has shone above the rest.

“In terms of individual impact, Lionel Messi has been the absolute standout player of the tournament for me, displaying unparalleled class and brilliance on the pitch.”

For Dawood Auckbaraullee, the FIFA World Cup is more than a month-long football spectacle. It is a celebration that has brought generations of his family together, rekindled memories dating back to the Atlanta Olympics, and allowed them to experience football’s greatest festival from the very heart of the action. From Cité Martial to Georgia, the journey has made this World Cup one his family is unlikely to ever forget.

Razack Issany: “This is my first time attending a FIFA World Cup tournament”

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For Razack Issany, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is the culmination of a lifelong passion for football. Nearly four decades after leaving Mauritius for Canada, he is finally experiencing football’s biggest tournament in person—travelling from city to city, soaking up the atmosphere and cheering on his favourite team.

Originally from Port Louis, Razack has lived in Mississauga, Canada, for the past 39 years. Now retired, he is making the most of this unique opportunity.

“I am enjoying retirement,” he says. “Life is short, making the best of every day.”

This year’s tournament has given Razack something he had long dreamed about. “This is my first time attending a FIFA World Cup tournament and it was an honour that I was able to attend the Iraq vs Senegal game in Toronto,” he says.

The experience exceeded all expectations. “The atmosphere was electric. We brought the Mauritian flag with us to the stadium and proudly waved it. We were surprised that there were some people who recognised our Mauritian flag.”

His World Cup adventure did not stop there. “We also attended the France vs Senegal game in New Jersey. It was very well organised and an excellent game,” he utters. 

And his World Cup journey continued. “This past weekend, we drove from Mississauga, Canada, to Philadelphia, USA, to watch the thrilling France vs Paraguay match.”

Having already witnessed several teams in action, Razack says two nations have particularly impressed him.

“So far, I am very impressed with the France and Moroccan team,” he confides. 

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A Passion Born on the Football Fields of Mauritius

Razack’s love affair with football began long before he settled in Canada. “When I was young, I used to play soccer at Mont Choisy every Saturday. It was a lot of fun.”

Those weekends on the football field sparked a passion that has lasted a lifetime. “This got me interested in soccer. Back in those days, I supported the English professional football club Arsenal,” he says.

Moving to Canada only strengthened that passion. “When I came to Canada, I got a season ticket for Toronto FC. It was the first football match I attended here and it was a memorable experience. Since then, my family and I have regularly gone to BMO Field to watch our favourite MLS team.”

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A Continent United by Football

Hosting the World Cup has transformed cities across Canada and the United States, according to Razack. “There are fan zones everywhere, where supporters gather to watch the matches, celebrate together and enjoy the World Cup atmosphere,” he shares.

According to Razack, one of the most striking aspects of experiencing the World Cup in North America is seeing entire neighbourhoods transformed by football fever. 

“The experience here is different to Mauritius. People proudly display their national flags in front of their houses and on their cars,” he says. “On our street alone, you can see Portuguese, French, German and many other national flags proudly displayed. Everywhere you look, people are showing their support for their teams.”

He also believes North America has embraced the tournament with enthusiasm.

“In my opinion, there are three good North American teams: Canada, Mexico and USA.”

Cheering for Les Bleus

Although he grew up supporting Arsenal, Razack’s heart belongs to France when it comes to international football.
“I personally support the French team as they have the best players, in my opinion,” he asserts.

Asked who he believes will lift the World Cup trophy, he does not hesitate. “It wouldn’t surprise me if France wins.”

For Razack, France’s strength lies in the quality of its squad. “Mbappé and Dembélé are fantastic players, among many others. I’ll be cheering France all the way to the final.”

For the Mauritian retiree, the FIFA World Cup is much more than a sporting event. It is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream—travelling across North America, watching world-class football from the stands, proudly waving the Mauritian flag, and witnessing first-hand the festival that unites millions of fans from every corner of the globe.