Fans have poured onto the streets across New York City, turning the neighborhood known as “Little Argentina” in Elmhurst, Queens, and one of Brooklyn’s largest Bangladeshi communities into meccas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final showdown against Spain on Sunday.
In Queens, sky blue and white decor decorate Rio de la Plata Bakery’s building at 92-11 37th Ave. In Elmhurst and much of the neighboring commercial strip, home to an Argentine community once comprised of a hundred-fold number of people.
“I do it because our culture should be preserved here as best we can. A lot of my family have moved on,” said owner Christian Gimenez, “The joy of watching our team get so far brings our remaining families together here in the street to enjoy the matches and support our beloved Argentina.”
A group gathered at a street fair for a recent match. Fans cheered with the victory and voiced their hopes for Messi to conclude his international career with a World Cup triumph.
Support is widespread: a Bangladesh community that has steadily bloomed in Kensington and neighboring South Brooklyn has been among a thousand cheering La Albiceleste on this year.
Public watch parties have drawn crowds to local bars in recent weeks to support the country’s passionate fan base with thousands flocking to public squares and parks nearby in what promises to be one of the largest gatherings on Sunday, just outside the shadow of nearby Met Life stadium in New Jersey.
