Almost 200,000 Ecuadorians and Ecuadorian Americans live in New York City, and many gathered at El Encebollado de Victor in Brooklyn to watch their team face Germany. The restaurant was a sea of yellow shirts under a blue roof adorned with red, blue, and yellow balloons. Luis Aguilar, 45, born in the US to Ecuadorian parents, wore an Ecuador jersey, scarf, straw hat, and flag, even his dog Jax wore a flag. As the match began in New Jersey, the stadium also filled with yellow shirts, and the national anthem was sung loudly.
Ecuadorian Community Unites
“It’s very fascinating. I have not seen this many Ecuadorians in one place probably ever,” Aguilar said. “To see all the yellow jerseys – it’s incredibly heart-warming and mesmerizing.” New York City is home to more than 3 million people born outside the US, from over 150 countries, creating patriotic hubs during the World Cup.
At the restaurant, Karen Lasluisa, 12, a football fan who plays defense and sometimes goal, watched with her family. She predicted her mother would cry if Ecuador lost. Germany scored after two minutes, but Ecuador equalized, and the game was 1-1 at half-time. Daniel Gutierrez, 30, born in Quito and living in the US for four years, said watching at the restaurant “is kind of like being close to home.”
Ecuador's Challenges and Escapism
Ecuador faces tough times as a transit hub for cocaine, with reports of human rights abuses and forced disappearances. “There’s lots of things going on in the country, and with all those bad things, this feels like an escape,” Gutierrez said. “The political situation, it’s always been difficult for us. That’s why there’s lots of Ecuadorians in the US right now, because of immigration: we all have to come here and search for a better future.”
Ecuador won 2-1, sparking wild celebrations. “Chairs were sent flying as people leapt to their feet, a roar cascading out on to the quiet street,” the article noted. Karen didn’t see her mother cry from sadness.
Senegal Fans Face Visa Hurdles
In March, the Trump administration introduced a policy requiring people from Senegal to make a one-time bond payment of up to $15,000 to enter the US. This meant few of the Douzième Gaindé supporters group could attend. In New York’s “Petit Sénégal” neighborhood, fans rallied. Charlotte Gueye, 31, originally from Dakar, said, “I think the visas thing did have an effect for the Norway game. The Norwegians’ cheers were really loud, and I feel like there’s a psychological aspect for players.”
Rokhaya Ndiaye, 25, and her husband Momodou Sey wore Senegal shirts and ate traditional food. “Just to sit down and eat Senegalese food while watching our game, just showing full-on patriotic support, it’s the only way to watch the game,” Ndiaye said.
Brazilian Energy in Queens
In Astoria, Queens, Beija Flor restaurant was packed with Brazilian fans. Owner Lucia Cruz decorated with yellow and green streamers. Fans arrived early for a 1pm game. Ana Paula Fortkamp, 33, from Paraná, said, “It’s Brazilian energy. The whole world knows that we’re excited, and that we dance: you cannot find that in an American sports bar.” Brazil went down 1-0 to Japan but equalized and scored in the last minute to win 2-1, advancing to the next round. Fans embraced and cheered.
Monique Prado, 29, who drove from Connecticut, said, “Even if you don’t know who you’re standing next to, they become like family at the time of a game.” For these fans, watching with compatriots offers a taste of home and community.
