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BURBANK, Calif. () — World Cup watch parties were held across Southern California on Sunday for the FIFA World Cup final, including an official FIFA fan zone in Downtown Burbank.
Fans gathered at viewing events across the Los Angeles area to watch the World Cup final, with Spain supporters celebrating after their team was crowned the World Cup champion. At a watch party in Brentwood, fans jumped to their feet with cheers after Spain’s win.
“We won! Seriously. Everything stacked against us and we won!” said Heidi Llovet, a Spain fan. “I could not be more thrilled that we took this World Cup. Also, I’m a new World Cup fan. I admit it. It’s the first time I’ve ever watched the World Cup, and I love it.”
There was also a watch party dedicated to Argentina in Van Nuys, where fans were disappointed after the loss.
“Of course, I feel sad, and I’m devastated, but I’m going to say that Argentinian people, we’re always united, and I’m happy that we defeated England,” said Juno Nifosi, an Argentina fan.
Disappointment also set in for Argentina fans in Downtown Burbank.
“We did what we could,” Argentina fan Alex Carrillo said.
When asked what happened, Carrillo said, “Spain was just a better team today. Yep. They were just a better team. Dominated all around.”
In Downtown Burbank, fans gathered at the official FIFA fan zone, which was set up with multiple screens for people to watch the game. Supporters from both teams shared their reactions after the long journey to the final.
“This is the best day of my life. I’m having the best day of my life,” said Julian Pletikosic, a Spain fan. “I have my beautiful girlfriend right over here. We’re looking at the beautiful game. Honestly, the reason I’m rooting for Spain is because I love Ronaldo.”
Carrillo said Lionel Messi was the reason he became interested in the sport.
“I love Messi. Messi is the goat. Messi is the goat,” Carillo said. “So that’s why I love it. He’s the one that made me fall in love with soccer.”
This year’s World Cup put the U.S. on the global stage, with the nation hosting games across 11 cities, including Los Angeles. Some fans said that spotlight helped grow the fan base.
“FIFA and the United States… I’m going to get emotional because I feel like the people here have been so amazing — taking in and embracing all of the countries,” Spain fan Mary Dailinger said. “I hope that Americans appreciate their culture and their country more after this. I’m hoping.”
For some fans in Burbank, the final marked their first time watching the World Cup.
“I think it’s the hype and the fact that we’re sports folks,” Omone Livingston said.
“No. Be honest, it’s actually because the USA actually went a little further than they actually did, so it made us more fans,” Derrick Spears said.
The pair said it would not be their last World Cup experience.
“We’re all in. We already got our USA shirts. We’re big fans now,” they said.
Some fans said they enjoyed the halftime show, while others said they appreciated how the World Cup brought people from diverse backgrounds together.
The Women’s World Cup kicks off next year in Brazil. The Men’s World Cup returns in 2030, and FIFA’s website is already encouraging fans to register for ticket information.
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