The FIFA World Cup is, by any measure, the world's biggest sporting event. But if you've been anywhere near a bar, a subway car, or a public square in New York over the past few weeks, you already know it's something else too; it’s a reminder, vivid and joyful, of just how many places this city holds inside it. However, this wave of celebration is not just a New York story. From Boston to Dallas and beyond, the World Cup has turned cities across the country into gathering places where people bring their flags, traditions, languages, and memories with them. Scotland’s “Tartan Army” filled Boston with kilts, bagpipes, and full-throated renditions of "Flower of Scotland" before spreading their good vibes to Miami. Norwegian supporters brought their "Viking Row" to the Times Square subway train, singing as they mimed rowing an imaginary longship through Midtown. Brazilian fans have carried drums, flags, and seas of yellow and green through the streets. After England's opening match in Dallas, thousands of supporters stayed in the stadium long after the final whistle to sing "Wonderwall" together — players included. And woven through it all are the immigrant communities already here. Brazilian cafés filling with yellow jerseys. Mexican restaurants erupting after a goal. Moroccan families spilling into public squares. American-born kids watching alongside parents and grandparents who carried their football loyalties with them from another country, another life, as well as official Fan Zones. It's loud and funny and sometimes deeply moving and what's striking is how naturally it all unfolds. Not as a statement about anything. Just people being exactly who they are.
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World Cup Fever Pitch
World Cup fever has broken out around the world as Qatar hosts the 2022 FIFA World Cup! For the next few weeks, the world is united and tuned into what most people around the globe commonly know as football and we in the US call soccer. Television network “Peacock” has brought fans and spectators together in New York and now Miami with a three-story responsive soccer ball featuring the voice of Telemundo’s Andrés Cantor, the Argentinian American sports broadcasting legend “whose breathtaking goal calls capture the ‘spirit’ of soccer”. Mr. Cantor’s “Gooooooooooooooooooolllllllll!!!” calls that resonated through Rockefeller Center are now filling Wynwood Market Place as fans gather together to cheer on their favorite teams. Frankly, we are a bit torn on who to root for this Friday as the US takes on the UK…do we have to choose? Go Teams!
The World Cup at DLG
Gaby anxiously watching the first half of the Colombia vs. England game.
This week's Colombia vs. England game led to some tense moments for the firm. Gaby, who is from Colombia, watched nervously here in New York as the two teams battled it out. Protima, traveling in England, held her breath as the game went into penalty shootouts. When England won the shootout 4-3, the office consoled Gaby, and Protima joined the massive celebrations in England where everyone was relieved that they had finally won their first World Cup penalty shootout. England will play Sweden this weekend. Good luck to both teams (okay, maybe a little more luck to England)!