New York Fans May Have More Than One Team to Cheer for During the 2026 World Cup

When the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off, many New Yorkers have been cheering for Team USA. But for thousands of people across the state, there may be another team close to their hearts as well.

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A new study from Covers.com looked at foreign-born population data to find which World Cup countries have the strongest community ties in each state. People often support the country where they were born, where their family came from, or where they still have strong connections.

Uzbekistan Tops New York's List

Uzbekistan ranks as New York's top unofficial "second team" for the 2026 World Cup. More than 33,000 Uzbek-born residents live in New York. Researchers found that the state's Uzbek community is much larger than the national average, giving Uzbekistan a unique connection to New York soccer fans.

Ecuador Has a Huge Presence in New York

Coming in second is Ecuador, which has one of the largest foreign-born communities in New York. More than 193,000 Ecuadorian-born residents call the state home. That large population could help create an exciting atmosphere whenever Ecuador takes the field.

African Nations Also Have Strong Support

Three African countries rounded out New York's top five list. Senegal came in third, followed by Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. While their populations are smaller than Ecuador's, each community has a strong presence in New York compared to other parts of the country.

A Tournament That Brings Communities Together

Whether you're cheering for Team USA, Uzbekistan, Ecuador, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, or another nation entirely, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be more than just a sporting event. For many New Yorkers, it will also be a celebration of family roots, culture, and community.