In the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York, celebrations have erupted as Arab national teams achieve victories at the World Cup. Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria fans have taken to the streets, waving flags and chanting, turning the area into a vibrant hub of Arab culture and pride.

On June 23, Morocco defeated Haiti 4-2 to advance to the knockout stage for the second consecutive World Cup. Fans flooded Steinway Street, chanting “Sir! Sir! Sir!” and waving Moroccan flags late into the night.

Two days earlier, Egypt secured their first-ever World Cup win, beating New Zealand 3-1, transforming the Arab-American enclave into a sea of Egyptian flags and chants of “Masr! Masr! Masr!”

On June 21, Algeria staged a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Jordan, adding to the weekend-long celebration of Arab football. For many in the community, these matches are a way to stay connected to their homelands while living in the US.

“I watched the 2022 World Cup in Morocco, and the vibes are so similar here,” said Mouaouia, a Barnard College student. “Everyone is in their jersey and raising the Moroccan flag. It’s not just Moroccans but people from other Arab and African countries.”

However, the Trump administration’s travel and visa policies have restricted entry for players, staff, and fans, forcing communities to create their own spaces for celebration. Despite these challenges, the World Cup has fostered a sense of unity and belonging among Arab diaspora in New York.

Source: www.aljazeera.com