Colombia excites SF’s Latin American soccer fans

The Copa América final is here. On Sunday night, Colombia will face Argentina in Miami. It’s an exciting match that will bring together hundreds of Latin American soccer fans from all over San Francisco to celebrate.

“When you’re born and raised in Latin America, you grow up with a huge love for soccer,” said Colombian Nathaly Charris, who was watching the Colombia vs. Panama game at a San Francisco bar on July 6. “It’s part of our culture since you’re a little kid.”

Argentina, led by football legend Lionel Messi, are the reigning world champions seeking their second consecutive Copa América trophy. A win would give La Albiceleste their third consecutive trophy, earning them their 16th title in the competition – the most in their history. However, Colombia’s 28-game winning streak could see Los Cafeteros claim their second trophy in 23 years.

Before the big game, The Tecolote documented Latinx fandom surrounding Copa América in bars in San Francisco and the two group stage matches at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. One Latinx group in particular has emerged with a lot of energy during the series: Colombians.

Although the city’s Spanish-speaking population is predominantly 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 increased by 65% ​​from 2010 to 2020, amounting to approximately 2,800 residents and 0.3% of the total city population.

Colombia, considered underdogs against Argentina in the final, has sparked a fiery rally among the city’s Latinx communities. Here’s what our journalists saw.

Colombia vs Brazil, Matchday

The scorching temperatures did not deter Colombian fans from flocking to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on July 2 for the match against Brazil.

Colombia vs. Panama, Quarterfinals

Colombians came out to Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub to watch their favorite team dominate Panama in a 2-0 game on July 6. “It was indescribable to see all these Colombians thinking, ‘Oh my god, where did they come from?'” said Colombian Daniela Vaughan, who lives in Berkeley. “It was amazing to see how many people came out here to watch their teams and show so much love.”

Colombia vs. Uruguay, Semi-finals

Colombians were still in the majority at both The Kezar Pub and Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub and watched with excitement as Colombia beat Uruguay 1-0.

“I think we have to support Colombia,” Colombia’s Natalia Davis said of Sunday’s final match. “We haven’t won a Copa (América) match since 2021.” Mexico’s Delvin Garcìa agreed: “In Miami, there are more Argentinians. Here, it’s more Colombians.”