Thousands pack Paterson stadium to witness Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph
Fans of all ages filled the stadium for Paterson's "Passport to Paterson" event, sporting jerseys and waving flags from countries across Latin America and beyond.
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Thousands of soccer fans packed Hinchliffe Stadium on Sunday to watch Spain capture the 2026 FIFA World Cup title, erupting in celebration as the final whistle blew.
Fans of all ages filled the stadium for Paterson's "Passport to Paterson" event, sporting jerseys and waving flags from countries across Latin America and beyond.
The crowd roared when Spain scored its lone goal of the game and again moments later when the team secured the World Cup victory.
"It’s history," said one fan. "It was 16 years we don't see the final."
While Spain and Argentina faced off on the field, the event drew supporters representing dozens of countries.
"I love the diversity. I love everybody that has come," one attendee said. "I've seen a lot of Colombians. I've seen a lot of Dominicans, Puerto Ricans. All nationalities are here today."
The most common jersey in the crowd Sunday, though, was Colombia.
With Colombian Independence Day coming up, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said it made sense to combine the holiday with a World Cup watch party.
"It's also a cultural celebration because tomorrow is Colombian Independence Day and Paterson has one of the largest Colombian populations in the United States," Sayegh said. "So we combine both the Colombian Independence celebration with a World Cup watch party, and look what you have here? Almost 4,000 people."
