New York’s Spanish Community Rallies
In New York City, the Spanish Benevolent Society, known as La Nacional, is experiencing a surge in interest as the World Cup final approaches. Robert Sanfiz, who oversees the Spanish nonprofit in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, has received numerous requests for its watch party, which is already at full capacity. The organization, which began 150 years ago to assist Spanish immigrants, has seen nightly crowds of supporters for Spain, or La Roja, throughout the tournament. Sanfiz attributes the organization’s revival partly to Spain’s 2010 World Cup victory.
Despite the disappearance of the neighborhood’s Spanish enclave, La Nacional continues to serve as a hub for Spaniards missing home. Sanfiz recalls the tension during the 2010 final against the Netherlands in South Africa, when fans gathered outside to watch Spain secure its first and only championship to date. This year, the consistent performance of Spain’s squad, led by Lamine Yamal and managed by Luis de la Fuente, has helped maintain a calmer atmosphere. Sanfiz plans to distract himself during the final by managing the crowd.
A day before the final, the presence of Spanish red in New York City may not be as widespread as Argentina’s white and blue, but local fans express strong passion. Many gathered at Mercado Little Spain in Midtown, a collection of Spanish restaurants founded by chef Jose Andres. Javier Vriz, 38, who traveled from Chicago and will attend the final in person, described being a lifelong Spain fan as knowing pain, noting the team’s consistent winning streak this tournament.
A Growing Coalition of Supporters
Spain’s success in the tournament has attracted new supporters, including neutral fans whose preferred teams were eliminated earlier. While Spain’s colonial history has previously caused friction with fans of many Latin American teams, Argentina’s controversial run has made them less popular among some regional fans. Rolando Sanchez, 26, from the Bronx, who initially supported the Mexican national team, stated that while he wouldn’t mind seeing Lionel Messi win, Spain’s players represent the future.
Support for Spain has also increased among New York City’s Arab communities, such as Brooklyn’s Little Palestine, partly due to Yamal’s paternal ties to Morocco and the Spanish government’s recognition of Palestinian statehood. Additionally, the team has garnered significant backing from the city’s West African community, influenced by the heritage of Spain’s star players and the large African population in Spain. Yamal’s mother is from Equatorial Guinea, and winger Nico Williams’s parents are from Ghana.
The Spanish government’s approach to African migrants, which focuses on labor integration and legalization, has further enhanced positive perceptions. Ousman Saho, 34, a coach for Huntaz FC in the Bronx and originally from The Gambia, expressed hope that Spain’s young talents, including Yamal, Williams, and Gavi, will achieve international glory. Mamadou Diabate, 36, coach of the Bronx-based Los Espanoles FC, whose homeland is Ivory Coast, praised Spain’s team for showcasing the beauty of teamwork in football.
Coaches’ Shared Journey to the Final
The World Cup final will feature a unique dynamic between Spain manager Luis de la Fuente and Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, who share a past connection. In 2017, Scaloni enrolled in the Spanish federation to pursue his Uefa Pro Licence, where de la Fuente was an instructor for the technique module and also coached Spain’s Under-19s. Scaloni excelled in the course, and both coaches acknowledge the bond that formed during that period.
Both de la Fuente and Scaloni became national coaches after periods of professional uncertainty and have since built teams characterized by a family-like culture. De la Fuente aims to become a World Cup and European champion simultaneously, while Scaloni seeks to defend his world title. Neither coach has managed a top-flight club, highlighting their unconventional paths to the final. De la Fuente’s career with the federation began after an 18-month hiatus from football, when he responded to a newspaper advertisement for a youth coach position.
De la Fuente’s coaching philosophy emphasizes respect, patience, and calmness, values he has instilled in many of the current squad members whom he has coached since their adolescence. His work is built on sacrifice, humility, and collective responsibility. Scaloni’s coaching approach, in contrast, was shaped by his experiences in Argentine dressing rooms, focusing on shared stories and camaraderie. His coaching staff largely consists of former players who understand the needs of international players. Both managers prioritize the collective strength of their teams and believe in continuity over disruption, fostering a deep sense of trust within their squads.
The two coaches will meet again in the final, a moment that will underscore their journey back into the forefront of football after earlier career challenges. Scaloni, who has guided Argentina to Copa America and World Cup victories, has been seeing a psychologist, and engages in long bike rides, to cope with the pressures of his role. De la Fuente’s son, Alberto, is a member of Spain’s coaching staff.
Lionel Messi, 39, will lead Argentina against Spain at MetLife Stadium. Argentina aims to be the first team since Pelé’s Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cup trophies. Messi, who is tied with Kylian Mbappé for the scoring lead with eight goals in this World Cup, is also a favorite to win the Golden Ball for a third time. Spain’s winger, Lamine Yamal, 19, who played in the 2024 European Championship-winning squad under de la Fuente, will face Messi in the final.
Messi posed with a 3-month-old Yamal in 2007 during a photoshoot with Barcelona players, a photo that has resurfaced ahead of the final. Messi wished Yamal the best, acknowledging his potential to make history. De la Fuente advised Yamal to be himself, recognizing Messi as a unique player and a role model. The World Cup final is set to be a historic event for fans.
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Source: aljazeera.com
