Argentinian and Spanish Fans Gather in Times Square Ahead of World Cup Final

Argentinian football fans gathered in Times Square in New York City on Sunday, July 18, 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup final against Spain. Bleary-eyed supporters began arriving from early morning, banging drums, linking arms and breaking into spontaneous chants. Nicolas Oliver, 21, a Spanish citizen living in Quebec, said he felt good but hoped for a win.

“The last time we won, I was five years old,” he said, referring to Spain’s 2010 victory. “I remember perfectly that day. ” Mohamed Zidan, 17, originally from Hama, Syria, and living in Springfield, Massachusetts, arrived in New York City six hours before his interview.

“I just got here six hours ago. This is my first time in New York,” he said. Paola Belmonta, 23, from southern Spain and living in Virginia for the summer, expressed confidence in her team. Alex Roma, 50, originally from Argentina and living in Washington, DC, for 20 years, noted Lionel Messi’s performance at age 39.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the first Muslim mayor of New York, attended a World Cup watch party at Rikers Island jail during the Argentina-England semifinal. “We said from the beginning that the World Cup belongs to New Yorkers,” he said. ” President Donald Trump arrived in New York City on Friday, July 17, 2026, and appeared alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino at Trump Tower.

Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States. Iran’s national team had their base camp relocated to Mexico and received only brief stays in the US for matches.