TAMPA, Fla. — Soccer fans in Tampa gathered for a World Cup watch party this week as supporters of Argentina and Cape Verde celebrated the tournament alongside Independence Day events in the United States.
The gathering brought together fans with personal connections to the teams and others celebrating Tampa Bay’s international communities as the U.S. marks 250 years of independence this weekend.
For some Argentina fans, the connection to the team is tied to family.
“My godmother is from Argentina, so there’s like a special place in our heart,” said Lisett Osorio, an Argentina fan.
Cape Verde supporters also gathered as the team’s World Cup run became a point of pride for people with roots in Tampa Bay. The timing coincides with Cape Verde’s Independence Day.
“Not only the 4th of July, but we get the opportunity to share on the fifth, our Independence Day,” Alexandria Andraee, a Cape Verde fan, said. “Fifty-one years of independence from Portuguese colonization.”
Many of the fans at the watch party said Tampa is home, and the World Cup has given them a chance to celebrate their heritage while also taking part in American holiday traditions.
Osorio said the tournament is helping showcase the country to people around the world.
“I know we have 250 years of our country and everything, but the World Cup, it’s showing everybody that this is bigger,” she said.