World Cup Brings Colour, Joy to Flushing Meadows
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Standing in front of Flushing Meadows, my heart is racing. How many hundreds of times have I thought that if I ever came to the US, I would watch a match between Federer and Nadal on this court - to bear witness to an epic battle of the US Open.
Luck has indeed brought me before the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in Corona Park, but by then, they have already hung up their tennis rackets. This is the Queens region fan zone for the group stage of the Football World Cup.
Around 14,000 spectators have gathered to watch the match between Mexico and South Africa; the number could be even higher as many are standing beside those in seats. It is a world of colours.
It would be a mistake to think only Mexican and African fans have come; the number of Brazil and Argentina supporters is not small either. Wide smiles are on everyone’s faces, as if there is no such thing as sorrow or pain in the world. Football is like that - and when the word ‘World Cup’ is attached to football, the whole world comes under one roof.
Standing with a tripod and boom in hand, I was wondering where to start. The heavy responsibility of going live on Agamir Somoy’s Facebook page must be fulfilled first. Then, I can sit comfortably and watch the first match of the 2026 World Cup.
Just then, a tall, fair-skinned man wearing a Mexico jersey approached. Laughing, he asked, “Are you a journalist? My name is Roger.”
Outspoken and with a sweet smile, his manner of speaking suggests he is not Mexican. He appears to have crossed into his forties. Sipping from the beer bottle in his hand, he said, “I bought the Mexico jersey because it looks beautiful. They will win today. They are a good team. But in my eyes, France and Spain will play the final. I can bet that neither Brazil nor Argentina will play the final.”
On one side of the fan zone, a group of fans are standing in a long queue and kicking a football. A massive screen has been hung in front. When the ball is kicked, it gets stuck to the screen. Is there glue on the screen? It’s a strange sight!
Everyone is testing their aim. A massive Mexican group is dancing on the other side, accompanied by a handful of South African supporters. Shakira’s songs are playing loudly, and everyone is swaying to the beat. Around them, another group is recording that dance on their mobile phones. This is the state of the fan zone. I wonder what is happening in Mexico City? That is, after all, the venue for the first match of the World Cup.
I met a father, mother, and a son wearing Argentina jerseys. They have come from Singapore. When asked if they were Messi fans, they replied with a wide smile, “Of course. Who else is the world’s best player besides Messi, tell me? But it's difficult for Argentina to win the cup this time. I fear Ancelotti’s Brazil. How many years Brazil hasn't won the cup. The team is also great. Ancelotti could be the mastermind.”
Flushing Meadows is filled with food stalls, each crowded with people. I remembered the Tk100 water and Tk300 burgers at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. What would the prices be like here? Looking at the price list, my eyes nearly popped out! A minimum of $13. The most expensive food is $25. There is no beer under $15.
The price list serves as a reminder that this is the most expensive World Cup of all time. Those without money in their pockets have no chance of watching these games.
Mexico’s World Cup began with an easy 2-0 victory against South Africa. As soon as the final whistle blew, the Mexican Folklorico (traditional Mexican dance) began. There was no sign of that dance stopping. Today is their day. Starting the World Cup with a win means the whole world is in the palm of your hand.
Flushing Meadows will remain open every day during the group stage. However, that does not mean everyone will get the chance to enter as a football fan. To watch the matches at this famous tennis court, you must have a ticket. Those tickets were sold out a week before the World Cup began.
