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Colombian fans turn Miami into a 'second home' during World Cup match
🇲🇽 Mexico /Sports

Colombian fans turn Miami into a 'second home' during World Cup match

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Thousands of Colombians living in Miami transformed the Hard Rock Stadium into a sea of yellow during their team's World Cup 2026 match against Portugal.
  • Miami is home to a significant Colombian diaspora, with an estimated 826,391 residents in Florida, many of whom consider the city their "second home."
  • The atmosphere was electric, with Colombian music and national pride evident, even as fans from various nationalities also attended to watch stars like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Miami lived up to its slogan, "the place where football feels like home," as thousands of Colombians turned the Hard Rock Stadium into a vibrant celebration during their national team's final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup against Portugal. After painting Mexico City and Guadalajara yellow, the Colombian fans brought their infectious energy to South Florida.

Florida is home to a substantial Colombian diaspora, with an estimated 826,391 Colombians residing in the state, representing over 30 percent of the total Colombian population in the United States. This strong community presence was palpable in the stadium, where Colombia secured the top spot in Group K with a 0-0 draw against Portugal.

It makes me feel at home, which I miss a lot.

— MaríaA Colombian expatriate living in Miami for 14 years, describing her feelings watching her national team play in the city.

The anthem "El Ritmo Que Nos Une" by Ryan Castro and SOG became a unifying sound for Colombians, especially during matches of 'La Sele,' and its presence in Miami, the "second home" for many expatriates, amplified the sense of belonging. María, originally from Medellín and living in Miami for 14 years, expressed how special it was to see her team play there, stating, "It makes me feel at home, which I miss a lot."

This is the first match we have come to, but we are going to reach the final.

— Group of friends from La GuajiraExpressing their commitment to follow the Colombian team.

A group of friends from La Guajira, the birthplace of Colombian star Luis Díaz, shared their excitement, declaring, "This is the first match we have come to, but we are going to reach the final." Even a Mexican fan, Antonio, wearing his Tri jersey, came to witness the high-quality football, stating, "We support Colombia because the team from America comes first."

While Portugal, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, also drew international attention, with fans from Lusitania, the US, Mexico, and other countries proudly wearing his number 7, the overwhelming sentiment in the stadium was the powerful connection between the Colombian diaspora and their national team, creating an unforgettable atmosphere in their adopted home.

We support Colombia because the team from America comes first.

— AntonioA Mexican fan attending the match in Miami.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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