Since arriving in São Paulo a few days ago, I have been quite struck by the absence of atmosphere surrounding the World Cup.
While my experience thus far has been superb – São Paulo is a city of incredibly diverse culture, delicious food and friendly people – there appears to be a surprising lack of interest in the World Cup.
The feeling I have just described is acknowledged here in Brazil. According to a survey conducted by Folha de São Paulo, one of São Paulo’s most read daily newspapers, the number of Brazilians who describe themselves as interested in the World Cup has dropped dramatically.
Since the last World Cup in 2010, the percentage of people who have no interest in the World Cup has risen from 20 per cent to 36 per cent.
This is counter-intuitive. Surely, hosting the World Cup would only serve to galvanise the locals and increase their interest. How could there be a decrease in interest in the World Cup among the people of the host nation?
There is clearly more than just football on the agenda.
Directly from the mouths of the people here, the answer is political. As one local I spoke to put it: it is seen as “politically incorrect” to show an avid support for the World Cup.
There is an element of concern among locals to display their interest in the World Cup. It was noted in Folha de São Paulo that you can barely notice the atmosphere of the World Cup in certain neighbourhoods as shop owners fear protestors and vandals.
The overwhelming opinion here is that Brazil will turn football crazy once the first ball is kicked. Evidently, as the opening game draws nearer there is a flood of Brazilian flags on show in the busy streets.
Will Brazilians’ love of football overtake the politics that have plagued the Cup, or will this put a dent in World Cup enthusiasm once and for all?
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