Some are deafeningly loud, with fans in matching jerseys packed 10 deep on streets and sidewalks, cheering in unison in their native languages.
Others are in cozy restaurants, where families and friends gather over warm plates of food reminding them of their home countries.
And still more pack inside homes, squishing onto couches and around kitchen tables to cheer and jeer as loud as neighbors will allow.
World Cup watch parties of all shapes, sizes and varieties have popped up in and around New York City since the tournament’s kickoff last week. Even though MetLife stadium and its games feel tantalizingly close, ticket prices have kept most fans on the outside. But that hasn’t stopped them from finding ways to come together to celebrate victories, lament defeats — and collectively shrug at ties.
Over the past week, photographer Jonathan Fernandes visited watch parties around the region for Documented. He stood among fans of Brazil at a street party in the Ironbound neighborhood in Newark during Saturday’s match against Morocco. He watched alongside diehard fans of Ecuador at Rincon Melania restaurant in Long Island City for the team’s stunning 0-1 loss to Ivory Coast Sunday. And on Monday, he joined Cape Verde fans inside September Cafe in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, for the team’s tie with Spain.
Sara Lopes, the cafe’s owner — and proud Cape Verde fan — spoke for many fans experiencing the highs and lows of this World Cup. “The feeling is I’m on a high,” she said. “We’re riding the wave. Our country was almost never on the map, and we’re so grateful and am so honored to hold space for the community.”
Brazil vs. Morocco
Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey
Ecuador vs. Ivory Coast
Rincon Natalia restaurant, Long Island City
Cape Verde vs. Spain
September Cafe, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
