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Soccer and Fear in the USA

HAVANA TIMES – “It feels a bit lackluster,” my friend Jimmy remarked regarding the World Cup atmosphere in the United States. We were leaving the airport, and I didn’t see a single sign indicating that the planet’s most important tournament was taking place here. Perhaps I walked out the wrong exit, or maybe it’s because we are in the midst of an unjustified war with Iran, or because one has to constantly look over one’s shoulder for hooded ICE agents, or simply because, after all, this country isn’t as soccer-obsessed as Mexico.

I scroll through my phone and am flooded with joyful news and festive images of the World Cup in Mexico—not just because of the Mexican national team’s 2-0 victory over South Africa, but because teachers’ protests failed to stop tens of thousands of people from making their way to the Fan Fest in the capital’s Zócalo. By presidential decree, classes in Mexico City had been suspended, and state employees were allowed to work from home. All for the sake of soccer. A U.S. president would never do such a thing. They couldn’t even imagine it.

The Los Angeles Fan Fest was also a celebration following the Mexican team’s victory. Around 40,000 people gathered before a giant screen at the Los Angeles Coliseum to show their loyalty to and nostalgia for Mexico. Yet, the rest of the city didn’t........

© Havana Times