Ecuadorian New Yorkers Celebrate Historic World Cup Run

A Community United by Soccer

For three weeks in June 2026, Ecuadorian immigrants across New York City wore yellow jerseys and packed restaurants, stadiums, and street corners to cheer for their national team, known as La Tri. The team's run in the 2026 World Cup — hosted in the United States — became more than a sporting event. For many immigrants, it was a rare moment of collective pride and a break from the pressures of daily life.

Edward López, 26, was inside MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 25, 2026, when Ecuador beat Germany in a historic match. He said the stadium shook as thousands of fans jumped and hugged strangers. Instead of a victory song, the crowd sang "Nuestro Juramento," a bolero by Julio Jaramillo that Ecuadorians call their second national anthem. "Everyone in the stadium knew the lyrics. Even the little children, who are the new generation, knew the words," López said. He had saved for his $1,500 ticket since October 2025, taking on extra work as a background actor. He has not seen his father in person since migrating from Ecuador three years ago, but gifted him an authentic national team jersey for Father's Day. "He never had an authentic jersey in his life," López said. "This gift made him shed tears."

New York is home to nearly 530,000 Ecuadorians, according to a March 2026 study by researchers at the CUNY Graduate Center. About 61% live in New York City, in neighborhoods like Corona and Jackson Heights in Queens, and Bushwick and Sunset Park in Brooklyn. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani recognized the community in a video address, shouting out "the more than 220,000 Ecuadorian New Yorkers cheering for La Tri" and highlighting the difficult upbringing of striker Enner Valencia in the Chota Valley, one of Ecuador's poorest regions. The Ecuadorian consulate in Manhattan also hosted World Cup events, including the permanent installation of a painting by Ecuadorian artist Héctor Anchundia honoring the diaspora.

Patty Cabrera, 37, who has lived in Port Chester, New York, for 27 years, attended the Germany match with her father — his first World Cup game. "My dad cried. He is already in his sixties, and it was beautiful to share these emotions together," she said. Her father owns Don Lucho Restaurant in Port Chester, which the community calls "the home of the national team." Ecuador was eliminated after losing to Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca, but Cabrera remained proud. "Thank you team for giving me the opportunity to dream," she said.

What to Do

• If you are an Ecuadorian immigrant and want to connect with your community in New York, look for events at local Ecuadorian restaurants, cultural centers, or the Ecuadorian Consulate in Manhattan.
• If you are undocumented or have a pending immigration case, lawyers recommend keeping a low profile at large public events and knowing your rights if approached by law enforcement — you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney.
• If you are on a work permit (called an Employment Authorization Document, or EAD) or another immigration status, make sure your documents are current. The filing fee for Form I-765 (the EAD application) is $520 as of 2026.
• If you want to stabilize your immigration status in the US, consult a licensed immigration attorney to explore options such as a green card application, family petition, or other relief.