In New York City, the Spanish style of play has won over die-hard World Cup fans as the tournament reaches its final stages on Sunday, July 19th, 2026. Robert Sanfiz, who manages the Spanish nonprofit in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, reported being fully booked for a World Cup final watch party, reflecting the surge in support for Spain.

The Spanish Benevolent Society and its restaurant, La Nacional, have become nightly gathering spots for fans of La Roja throughout the six-week tournament. Javier Vriz, 38, a lifelong Spain fan who traveled from Chicago, described the experience as "unreal."

The tournament has also shifted local fan dynamics. Rolando Sanchez, 26, a Bronx resident who had supported Mexico before their round of 16 exit, noted increased tensions, saying, “A lot of Mexican fans have been hating on Argentina.”

Local soccer clubs in the Bronx have expressed pride and inspiration from the World Cup. Ousman Saho, 34, coaches Huntaz FC, a club supported by BAMBA Sports, which promotes sports in underserved African communities. He called the tournament “so inspiring and so motivating.” Meanwhile, Mamadou Diabate, 36, coach of Los Espanoles FC, expressed pride in Ivory Coast’s performance in the group stage.

Fans across New York’s diverse neighborhoods, including areas known as Little Palestine and Little Bangladesh, have shown enthusiasm for the World Cup, with communities rallying behind different teams such as Spain and Argentina’s Albiceleste.

This growing coalition of supporters highlights the global and multicultural passion for football within New York City.

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