Yemeni fan’s World Cup journey mirrors decades of war and hardship

What happened

Al Jazeera Yemen reports from Mukalla on Adel Mohsen, a 56-year-old football enthusiast who has watched every FIFA World Cup since 1982 despite Yemen’s decades of war and economic turmoil. This year, Mohsen faces power outages and fuel shortages that complicate even watching matches, underscoring the effects of the prolonged conflict on everyday life.

In Mukalla, power cuts are frequent, and a recent battery failure prevented Mohsen from having home electricity during matches. Unable to afford a replacement battery or internet access to stream games, he turns to the local stadium to watch on a public screen powered by generators, showing the lengths residents go to maintain some normalcy amid economic hardship.

Mohsen recalls the 1982 World Cup as a formative experience during South Yemen’s early television era. Over the years, he witnessed the country’s unification, civil war, and ongoing instability—all echoed in his memories of different tournaments and how fans gathered despite the circumstances. His story shows how the war’s impact extends beyond politics to cultural and social spheres.

Known from the source

• Adel Mohsen is a 56-year-old football fan from Mukalla, Yemen.
• He has watched every FIFA World Cup since 1982.
• Yemen is currently experiencing power outages and fuel shortages affecting residents.
• Mohsen could not afford a replacement battery or internet vouchers to watch the World Cup 2026 at home.
• He used a public screen at a local stadium powered by generators to watch matches.

What remains unclear

Yemen’s conflict disrupted infrastructure and daily life, with power and fuel shortages now directly affecting simple pleasures like watching football. Mohsen’s experience reflects a broader pattern where citizens adapt to hardship but face shrinking opportunities to engage in community and leisure activities.

What remains unclear: Exact current conditions regarding power and fuel in Mukalla at the time of reporting. Verification of Adel Mohsen’s detailed personal history and statements as reported by Al Jazeera. Confirm all dates and locations referenced for contextual accuracy. Ensure clarity around infrastructure challenges so as not to overstate without sourcing.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: Al Jazeera Yemen. Open the source.