19/07/2026 10:15 - Deportes
The buildup to the grand finale of the 2026 World Cup is already being celebrated as a true popular festival. On July 18, 2026, the iconic Times Square in New York City was transformed into a little piece of Argentina. According to estimates from the local police, around 20,000 fans gathered in the heart of Midtown Manhattan to show their support for Lionel Scaloni's team, which is looking to reclaim the title won in Qatar 2022.
Despite intermittent rain, the Argentine passion did not stop. Fans sang chants, unfolded flags, and cheered to the hit song 'Muchachos', which has become the unofficial anthem for this generation of players.
The gathering brought together local residents, tourists, and supporters who traveled specifically to accompany the National Team. Food stalls selling 'choripanes' (traditional Argentine sausage sandwiches) and 'asado' (barbecue) became popular meeting points, while Argentine bars in Manhattan and Queens reported being fully booked for match day.
Resident associations had previously coordinated alternative meeting points in Bryant Park and Hudson Yards, but the main crowd congregated along Broadway and Seventh Avenue.
The phenomenon was also felt in local businesses. The official Adidas store on Fifth Avenue reported a record demand for National Team jerseys.
Among those present were figures linked to Argentine football. Maximiliano Moralez and Sebastián Battaglia participated in the flag-waving event, and the singer 'Palmito', author of one of the songs adopted by the squad, was one of the most sought-after figures by the fans.
The hope of seeing Argentina become champions once again comes with a high cost. Ticket resale prices for the final at the MetLife Stadium are exceeding $7,000 USD per ticket, a historic figure well above the final of Qatar 2022.
The New York Police Department maintained partial street closures and a reinforced presence in Times Square to ensure safety. With soaked clothes and worn-out voices, the crowd dispersed with their expectations intact, hoping to see the 'Scaloneta' lift a new star on July 19 in New Jersey.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
