Police urge fans to celebrate responsibly ahead of World Cup final tonight

The Maldives Police Service has urged the public to celebrate responsibly during tonight’s FIFA World Cup final and to avoid any actions that may disturb public peace or inconvenience others.

In a statement issued on Sunday, police reminded fans to respect the rights of residents as they gather to watch the highly anticipated match between Argentina and Spain. The agency advised the public to avoid loud noise, music and vehicle honking in residential areas, noting that late-night hours are when most people rest.

Police also requested motorists not to park motorcycles or vehicles in a way that obstructs roads or inconveniences other road users, especially near public viewing screens placed across Male'.

The agency said such disturbances can affect children, the elderly and neighbours, and urged fans to keep celebrations mindful of those around them. “The excitement of the match should not come at the expense of public safety or the comfort of others,” the statement said.

ވޯލްޑްކަޕް ފައިނަލުގައި މިރޭ އާޖެންޓީނާ އާއި ސްޕެއިން ބައްދަލުކުރާ ފޯރިގަދަ ފުޓުބޯޅަ މެޗު ބަލަން ސަޕޯޓަރުން ތައްޔާރުވަމުންދާއިރު، އުފާފާޅުކުރުމުގައި އެހެން މީހުންގެ ހައްގުތަކަށް އިހުތިރާމްކުރުމަށާއި އަމާންކަން ގެއްލިދާނެ އެއްވެސްކަމެއް ނުކުރުމަށް ދިވެހި ފުލުހުންގެ ޚިދުމަތުން… pic.twitter.com/Mc30Fsn4WX

— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) July 19, 2026

Police issued similar advice ahead of the semi-finals, as large crowds gathered in Male' to watch the matches on big screens. After the games, groups of supporters often take to the streets to celebrate, prompting authorities to remind the public to keep celebrations peaceful.

Football enthusiasm remains high across the Maldives, with both locals and expatriates joining in the excitement. Support for Argentina continues to be particularly strong.