An estimated 5,000 Argentina fans descended on New York's Times Square ahead of the World Cup final, bringing traffic to a standstill and singing songs about the Falkland Islands and England. The pre-game 'Banderazo' party featured fireworks, drumming, and crowds climbing on postboxes, according to eyewitness Zak Garner-Purkis.
Times Square Transformed into Argentine Pregame Party
The scenes unfolded on Saturday, July 19, 2026, hours before Argentina faced Spain in the World Cup final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. Garner-Purkis described hearing a firework shot into the air by a fan, initially mistaking it for a gunshot. The crowd, largely clad in blue and white stripes, overwhelmed the area, forcing police to close entire streets.
Traffic was halted as fans danced around cars, including a vintage Ford Mustang whose revving engine drew cheers. A police cruiser moving through the crowd was followed by a conga line of fans marching behind it. The energy was infectious, even under lashing rain, which seemed to heighten the atmosphere.
Songs About Falklands and Anti-England Chants
Among the chants were songs referencing 'Maradona and Las Malvinas' (the Falkland Islands) and a lyric that translates to 'he that doesn't jump is an Englishman.' Garner-Purkis, a Londoner, noted the temptation to stand aside after Argentina's bad-tempered semi-final win over England, but found the Banderazo's energy impossible to resist.
The crowd included fans of all ages, from a 9-month-old cradled by their mother to groups of young men smoking from a wine bottle. Flags were waved, and people trembled with emotion as friends held them aloft to sing.
Police Eventually Disperse the Crowd
Despite the festive mood, NYPD officers eventually began barking instructions, and the crowd slowly dispersed. Garner-Purkis noted that locals were blown away by the scale and intensity of the party. If Argentina wins, he predicted even wilder scenes.
