Fans gather in the Bronx to celebrate World Cup spirit through watch parties, food and family
Community members gathered at Bronx Terminal Market in the South Bronx as part of fan events taking place across New York City’s five boroughs, with supporters representing countries from across the globe coming together to celebrate one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
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While thousands of soccer fans packed stadiums around the country for World Cup matches, others found a way to experience the excitement closer to home Saturday at a watch party in the Bronx.
Community members gathered at Bronx Terminal Market in the South Bronx as part of fan events taking place across New York City’s five boroughs, with supporters representing countries from across the globe coming together to celebrate one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Fans proudly wore jerseys from their favorite countries while cheering on teams throughout the day.
“Best sport in the world,” one fan said.
Others quickly rattled off the teams they were supporting.
“Brazil, let’s go Brazil,” another fan shouted.
“Ecuador and Brazil… Spain… Argentina… Portugal…” another attendee said.
“Portugal because I like Cristiano Ronaldo. So wait, you say Argentina and Portugal, ” another fan added.
The excitement extended beyond the fans themselves, with local vendors inside Bronx Terminal Market also embracing the international spirit of the tournament.
Soo Lee, who began preparing food at 5 a.m. Saturday morning, sells Korean-inspired rice bowls inside the market and said the games have brought increased business opportunities to local vendors.
“It’s been a huge opportunity for us not just myself but a lot of these vendors right now… how the World Cup is bringing people from different countries together. It’s the beauty of living in New York. The melting pot of different people, cultures,” Lee said.
The diversity of fans attending the event was also on full display.
Bernie Fonseca and his son Kevin traveled from Brazil hoping to experience World Cup matches in person, but said ticket prices led them to seek out alternative ways to enjoy the tournament.
“If you want to go to the game, it’s like $2000, so having events like this is great,” Bernie Fonseca said.
The father and son spent part of the afternoon enjoying activities at the event, including a friendly game of tic-tac-toe soccer.
“Trying to beat my son but he just screwed me over,” Bernie joked.
For Bronx resident Joselo Hernandez, the tournament carries even deeper meaning.
Hernandez, who grew up playing soccer in Ecuador, said the sport has always served as a connection to his home country and family roots.
“My father was a soccer player in my country… I love my country… I always want to go back and visit… but I live in a beautiful country,” Hernandez said.
Now living in the Bronx, Hernandez said he is passing that same love of soccer on to his son while embracing the opportunity to experience the global tournament in his new home.
“I like soccer… I think it’s a great sport,” Hernandez’s son said.
Organizers say fan events and watch parties connected to the World Cup will continue across New York City throughout the tournament, giving residents additional opportunities to celebrate the international competition without stepping foot inside the stadium.
