TOKYO A group of Japanese college students are trying to raise 3.5 million yen ($26,510) to install satellite television dishes in Kabul so Afghan children can watch soccer's World Cup finals.

The students said on Sunday they had raised 575,279 yen so far, 2.9 million yen short of their target.

They planned to install satellite dishes at about 30 public facilities in war-torn Kabul ahead of the World Cup finals to be co-hosted by Japan and South Korea from May 31 to June 30, reported Reuters.

"Let's deliver the World Cup to Afghanistan," the group said.

"Let's give antennas and soccer balls to Afghan children from Japan which hosts the World Cup finals, the first in Asia."

Under the Taleban regime, the people of Afghanistan were barred from playing soccer and watching television.

The students also said they would urge the Japanese government to help them realize their plans.