New York fans embrace 'Spanish style' ahead of Wor...

By Rohan Gupta — 19 July 2026 — 4 min read

New York City embraces Spanish football

New York City is experiencing a surge of support for Spain as the team prepares for the World Cup final. Businesses and community organisations, such as the Spanish Benevolent Society, also known as La Nacional, have seen increased interest. Robert Sanfiz, who oversees La Nacional in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighbourhood, noted that the venue is at capacity for the final watch party, reflecting the team’s strong performance throughout the six-week tournament.

Sanfiz attributes part of the organisation’s revival to Spain‘s 2010 World Cup victory. Despite the disappearance of the area’s former Spanish enclave, La Nacional continues to serve as a gathering place for Spaniards missing home. He recalled the tension during the 2010 final against the Netherlands, where fans watched from the street as Spain secured its first and only championship to date. This year, the consistent play of Spain‘s squad, led by 19-year-old striker Lamine Yamal and manager Luis de la Fuente‘s team-first strategy, has helped maintain a calmer atmosphere.

A day before the World Cup final, the presence of Spanish colours might not be as widespread as Argentina‘s white and blue across New York City, but local fans express strong passion. Many gathered at Midtown’s Mercado Little Spain, a collection of Spanish restaurants, where Spanish chef Jose Andres was seen among supporters. Javier Vriz, 38, who travelled from Chicago and plans to attend the final in person, described his long-standing support for Spain as “unreal,” highlighting the team’s consistent vision and style.

Spanish fans are seen at Mercado Little Spain in Manhattan [Joseph Stepansky/Al Jazeera] Credit: aljazeera.com

A growing coalition of supporters

In the latter stages of the tournament, Spain has also attracted new supporters in New York City, including neutral fans whose initial teams were eliminated in earlier rounds. This success has fostered a broader coalition of fans.

Historically, Spain‘s colonial past has sometimes caused friction with supporters of various Latin American teams. However, Argentina‘s recent controversial run has reportedly made them less favoured by some fans from the region. Rolando Sanchez, 26, a Bronx resident who previously supported the Mexican national team, noted that many Mexican fans have expressed negative sentiments towards Argentina. While he appreciates Lionel Messi, Sanchez believes Spain‘s players represent the future of football.

Support for Spain has also grown among Arab communities in New York City, such as Brooklyn‘s Little Palestine, partly due to Yamal‘s paternal ties to Morocco and the Spanish government’s recognition of Palestinian statehood. Additionally, the West African community in New York City has shown significant support, influenced by the heritage of Spain‘s star players and the large African population in Spain. Yamal‘s mother is from Equatorial Guinea, and winger Nico Williams‘s parents are from Ghana.

Positive perceptions of Spain have been further enhanced by the Spanish government’s approach to African migrants, which contrasts with the stricter policies of some other European countries. Spain has pursued initiatives for labour integration and legalisation for undocumented residents. Ousman Saho, 34, coach of the Bronx-based Huntaz FC, a club supported by the BAMBA Sports nonprofit, finds this inspiring. Saho, originally from The Gambia, hopes Spain‘s young squad, which includes 24-year-old Williams and 21-year-old midfielder Gavi alongside Yamal, will achieve international glory.

Spain fans are seen at Mercado Little Spain in Manhattan [Joseph Stepansky/Al Jazeera] Credit: aljazeera.com

Historical final matchup

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain is set to make history at the New York New Jersey Stadium. This match marks the first time since the FIFA rankings were introduced in 1992 that the world’s top two ranked teams will face each other in a World Cup final, with Argentina ranked number 1 and Spain number 2.

Argentina has reached its seventh FIFA World Cup final, equalling Brazil for the second-highest number of appearances in the title match. Only Germany has played in more finals, with eight. This also marks Argentina‘s first appearance in consecutive World Cup finals since 1986 and 1990. Spain, meanwhile, aims for its second FIFA World Cup title, having won previously in 2010. Argentina is seeking to become the first men’s team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Spain‘s coach, Luis de la Fuente, anticipates a memorable contest, describing both teams as “superteams” with similar attitudes and talent. The final will see Lionel Messi play against Spain for the first time since Argentina defeated them in an international friendly in 2010. The match will also feature Messi sharing the field with Spain star Lamine Yamal, who was photographed with the Argentine legend nearly two decades ago as a baby.

Spain enters the final following one of the strongest defensive campaigns in World Cup history. La Roja has conceded only one goal in seven matches and has not trailed at any point during the tournament. If they win the title, they will surpass the defensive records set by Spain in 2010, Italy in 2006, and France in 1998, all of whom conceded only two goals en route to winning the World Cup.