UPDATE: Argentina win Copa América to the dismay of San Francisco’s Colombian diaspora.
The Copa América final is here, pitting Colombia against Argentina Sunday night in Miami in a high-stakes matchup that is set to bring together hundreds of Latinx soccer fans across San Francisco to celebrate.
“Being born and raised in Latin America, you grow up really loving football,” said Colombian Nathaly Charris, who was watching the Colombia vs. Panama game inside a San Francisco bar on July 6. “It’s a part of our culture since you [are] a little kid.”
Argentina, led by soccer legend Lionel Messi, are the reigning world champions looking to take home their second consecutive Copa América trophy. A win would grant La Albiceleste its third straight trophy, earning them their 16th title in this competition – the most in its history. Yet Colombia’s 28-game win streak could lead Los Cafeteros to their second trophy in 23 years.
Ahead of the big game, El Tecolote documented Latinx fandom around Copa América at San Francisco bars and the two group stage matches at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. One Latinx group, in particular, has been showing up with big energy throughout the series: Colombians.
Though the city’s Hispanic population is primarily Mexican, accounting for 7% of the total population, Colombians are a small but growing group. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Colombians in the city rose by 65% from 2010 to 2020, amounting to about 2,800 residents and representing 0.3% of the entire city population.
Considered the underdog against Argentina in the final game, Colombia has ignited a fervent gathering among the city’s Latinx communities. Here’s what our journalists saw.
Colombia vs. Brazil, Matchday
Scorching temperatures did not stop Colombian fans from being the main group packing Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on July 2 for the game against Brazil.
Colombia vs. Panama, Quarterfinals
Colombians packed Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub to watch their favorite team dominate Panama in a 5-0 match on July 6. “It was indescribable seeing all these Colombians like, ‘Oh my god, where did they come from?’” said Colombian Daniela Vaughan, who lives in Berkeley. “It was awesome to see how many people came to travel to see their teams and to show so much love.”
“I have a good feeling that we probably can win Copa América,” Charris said, “I was telling my mom if they win then I’m coming back [to Colombia] because I know it’s going to be a huge celebration.”
Colombia vs. Uruguay, Semifinals
Colombians continued to be the majority at both The Kezar Pub and Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub, watching with intense excitement as Colombia beat Uruguay 1-0.
“I think we should support Colombia,” said Colombian Natalia Davis about Sunday’s final game. “We haven’t won a Copa [América] game since 2021.” Mexican Delvin Garcìa agreed: “In Miami, there’s more Argentinians. Here, it’s more about Colombians.”
Colombia vs. Argentina, Final
In a fiery Copa América final, Argentina edged Colombia 1-0 in extra time, thanks to a goal by substitute Lautaro Martínez.
The defending world champions overcame the loss of Lionel Messi, who appeared to suffer an ankle injury and fell in the 64th minute.
Argentina’s victory gives them a record 16 Copa América titles, ending Colombia’s 28-game unbeaten streak.
In San Francisco, Colombian fans watched with dismay at Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub as their team struggled to capitalize on their relentless attacking threat.
