See it: Spain beats Argentina as Brooklyn packs World Cup watch parties

DUMBO/BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, and everything in between were on display Sunday at packed World Cup viewing sites in Brooklyn, as Spain defeated Argentina in the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  

The city’s free fan zones, plus video screens in bars, parks, libraries and Open Streets, brought the “beautiful game” to the public for a shared experience that many feel was one of the highlights of the summer. Despite the rivalry on the field, fans citywide celebrated in good-natured camaraderie. 

Even Mother Nature helped out on Sunday, as hazardous smoke from Canadian fires disappeared and skies were sunny. The adidas-sponsored Fan Zone in Brooklyn Bridge Park was flooded during Saturday’s thunderstorms and the enormous screen damaged. Due to these issues, they were unable to show the third-place match between England and France — but the entire site was back in action for the World Cup final.

The Brooklyn Eagle caught the action and high emotions at the enormous adidas site and also the local fan zone on a car-free Montague Street. The special Montague Open Streets event was sponsored by the Montague Street Business Improvement District, the Brooklyn Heights Association and the New York City Department of Transportation.