By SÍLE MOLONEY
A SOCCER SUPPORTER watches Senegal take on Iraq on an outdoor screen outside Prime Grocery & Vegetable on East Gun Hill Road in Norwood on Sunday, June 28, 2026, during FIFA World Cup 2026, as they support Senegal. The latter later won the game 5-0.
Photo by Síle Moloney
Love and pride for heritage and culture is being witnessed across The Bronx amid the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the soccer tournament, hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, gets into full swing.
A GROUP OF visiting Columbian soccer team supporters to the United States pose for a photo on Jerome Avenue in Norwood on Election Night, June 23, 2026.
Photo by Síle Moloney
On June 11, Norwood News spoke to Michelle Vazquez on the Grand Concourse in Bedford Park who was sporting a Mexican jersey and carrying some takeaway food into her home on the day Mexico won their first Group A stage game against South Africa 2-0. “I’m American but my parents are Mexican, from Pueblo Tulcingo [de Valle],” she said beaming.
MICHELLE VAZQUEZ, A Mexican soccer team supporter, is seen on June 11, 2026, in Bedford Park.
Photo by Síle Moloney
She added, “I’m actually surprised that they actually won today 2-0, so hopefully, they win the World Cup ‘cause they really need it but I’m so happy!” Vazquez said her favorite players are Alexis Vega and Raúl Jiménez.
TWO SOCCER SUPPORTERS watch Senegal take on Iraq on an outdoor screen outside Prime Grocery & Vegetable on East Gun Hill Road in Norwood on Sunday, June 28, 2026, during FIFA World Cup 2026, as they support Senegal. The latter later won the game 5-0.
Photo by Síle Moloney
On Election Night, June 23, Norwood News spoke to a group of Columbians on Jerome Avenue in Norwood, who were also decked out in their team’s jerseys and who were visiting the United States for the tournament.
SOCCER FANS ENJOY a dance performance, part of a soccer watch party hosted by the Office of the Bronx Borough President at One Fordham Plaza in Fordham Manor on Wednesday, June, 24, 2026.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones
We asked them how Columbia’s World Cup campaign in Group K was going. Speaking in Spanish and English, the fans said they were about to watch Columbia’s next game against the Democratic Republic of Congo at 10 p.m.
SOCCER FANS attend a soccer watch party hosted by the Office of the Bronx Borough President at One Fordham Plaza in Fordham Manor on Wednesday, June, 24, 2026.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones
“We’re excited!” one woman said. Norwood News asked if they were confident of a win. “We’re going to win, 3-1!” one man predicted.
SOCCER FANS attend a soccer watch party hosted by the Office of the Bronx Borough President at One Fordham Plaza in Fordham Manor on Wednesday, June, 24, 2026.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones
Columbia is in the same group as hotly tipped Portugal, DR of Congo, and Uzbekistan, who they already beat 3-0 in a friendly prior to the tournament, they said.
SOCCER FANS attend a soccer watch party hosted by the Office of the Bronx Borough President at One Fordham Plaza in Fordham Manor on Wednesday, June, 24, 2026.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones
Asked what Columbia’s best export was, the man said, “El Vallenato, the music Vallenato, our own music, the Cumbia (music), the people!” Another fan shouted, “The food, the food!”
SOCCER FANS attend a soccer watch party hosted by the Office of the Bronx Borough President at One Fordham Plaza in Fordham Manor on Wednesday, June, 24, 2026.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones
One woman said with anticipation, “The last match is against Portugal!” Asked where they watched the games, they said in fan zones, including one in Queens. “In Queens, there’s a lot of Columbian people,” the woman said. As they posed for a photo, they said, “Viva Columbia!”
Meanwhile, one young employee who works in a deli on the corner of Jerome Avenue and Mosholu Parkway in Norwood is watching the tournament closely and is confident Portugal will go the distance. For information about fan zones, transportation to the games, and more, visit https://nynjfwc26.com/fan-events/.
BEN, OMAR, AND Benji stop to pick up some free stuff like a soccer towel, a bottle opener, a Fordham-themed bag and a portable water bottle to name a few at a soccer watch party hosted by the Office of the Bronx Borough President at One Fordham Plaza in Fordham Manor on Wednesday, June, 24, 2026.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson hosted a soccer watch party at One Fordham Plaza on Wednesday June 24. From children as young as 1 years of age to elderly Bronx residents, all were seen enjoying the music and warm weather. “Maria” said it was very interesting to be there.