Spain wins World Cup: Fans celebrate in New York

Tens of thousands of football fans flooded Manhattan on Sunday, filling bars, parks, and Times Square to celebrate the World Cup final. The electric atmosphere captured the growing passion for the sport in the United States, which some estimates suggest has already overtaken baseball in popularity.

Photographer Valerie Plesch documented the jubilant scenes as fans reacted to Spain's victory. Crowds gathered at viewing areas like Rockefeller Center, while others watched on phones from various locations. The city buzzed with fans, many wearing Argentinian jerseys, but the ultimate celebration belonged to Spain, securing their second World Cup title.

The sheer number of fans highlights football's increasing cultural footprint in the U.S. While tickets to the final match itself would have cost thousands, public viewing events offered a communal and accessible way for supporters to share in the excitement. The images from Times Square show an outpouring of joy, with fans erupting in celebration as the final whistle blew, marking a significant moment for the sport's fanbase in America.