Photograph by Hugo Medina
The FIFA World Cup is the most watched sporting event on the planet, with an estimated 6 billion watchers tuning in. The 2026 games were co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 48 teams competing in a total of 104 games across the three host countries. Closer to home, IWR supporter and soccer enthusiast Patrick Lynch coordinated with four local businesses to promote donations to IWR during their watch parties. Seventy-nine watch parties and concurrent fundraisers for IWR were held by Personal Best Brewing, Bike Bar Ithaca, State Eatery, and Bookies Sports Bar & Lounge.
While supporting immigrants locally, soccer (or football) fans tuned in to some notable World Cup moments, including underdog Ecuador’s win against Germany and Cabo Verde’s valiant front against Argentina in the round of 32. Cabo Verde ultimately lost the match in extra time, but the stiff competition down to the final minutes of the match remains one of the most powerful memories of the tournament. Fans witnessed France’s Kylian Mbappé’s 10 tournament goals, earning him the World Cup Golden Boot. While the US team’s performance ended in disappointment, fans will long remember Malik Tillman’s two free-kick goals and Gio Reyna’s golazo against Paraguay. The World Cup globally and locally connected audiences around the world. Our local watch parties were often standing room only, filled with exuberant fans cheering or commiserating as their favored teams battled through rounds.
The World Cup also shone a necessary light on the increasing difficulty of international travel to the United States for people from certain countries. With Customs and Border Protection denying entry to individuals like Somali referee Omar Artan at Miami International Airport, detaining and questioning Iraqi player Aymen Hussein for hours, and ultimately refusing entry to the Iraq team photographer traveling with his team to Chicago O’Hare Airport. While we mostly saw coverage on the travel restrictions that impacted players and team staff, there were also dozens of reports from ticket holders and international fans who had planned to travel to matches within the U.S. who were denied entry. In addition there were significant hurdles for teams from countries on President Trump’s infamous “ban list” which currently includes 39 countries that have either full or partial US travel bans. These World Cup teams included Iran, Haiti, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal. The global attention on the tournament illuminated the paradox of the U.S. hosting a multi-national tournament during a period of increasing cruelty against international residents and travelers.
On the other side of the spectrum, hundreds of thousands tuned in to the tournament matches to celebrate diversity and international athleticism. Our watch party fundraisers in Tompkins County saw hundreds of local residents gather, raising an impressive $5,321 over the five weeks of matches. These funds will go directly to supporting our newly arrived community members, some of whom came from countries competing in the World Cup. Our thanks to everyone who wanted to celebrate and support our local international community.
Photographs provided by Patrick Lynch
