‘Spanish style’ wins over New York’s die-hard World Cup fans ahead of final
As the World Cup final approaches, Spanish fans in New York City are gathering at the Spanish Benevolent Society to support their team. The organization, which has served the Spanish community for 150 years, is seeing a surge in interest driven by the team's strong performance.
Why it matters
It illustrates the cultural impact of international sports on immigrant communities and the role of community organizations in fostering national pride.
La Roja’s World Cup success has built a new coalition of loyal and recently converted Spanish fans across New York City.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Spain fans are seen at Mercado Little Spain in Manhattan [Joseph Stepansky/Al Jazeera] By Joseph Stepansky Published On 19 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026 New York City, United States – Robert Sanfiz has been fielding a slate of late “VIP” requests to attend a World Cup final watch party at the Spanish nonprofit he oversees in the Chelsea neighbourhood of Manhattan. He’s already booked to capacity, and is unsure if he can make additional space.
It is a fitting final stretch to a mad-dash six-week tournament that, like those before it, saw the Spanish Benevolent Society and its accompanying restaurant, known collectively as La Nacional, swell nightly with supporters of La Roja.
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