The FIFA World Cup is headed to the United States, Canada and Mexico. People from all over the world will tune in to cheer on their home country, their parent’s home country or their favorite players. But, when they turn on the TV, many will choose a Spanish broadcast channel even though they don’t speak the language, especially in the United States.
That is because Latinos are the passionate fans who “bring the party,” said Eduard Cauich, advisor to California State University, Northridge’s student newspaper The Sundial and an experienced journalist who has spent years reporting on sports and Latino communities.
“Soccer is the main sport in many countries and if I’m covering for the Latino audience, which is my job, I don’t have to explain what a World Cup is, and I don’t have to explain the importance,” he said. “That’s why some people like to watch soccer in Spanish, because they feel like they can connect with that passion and even some people that don’t know Spanish and don’t speak it, would rather watch it in Spanish.”
Cauich has covered the last three World Cups, which included traveling to Brazil, Russia and Qatar.
“Everyone who has been to a World Cup will tell you that Latinos are some of the most passionate fans,” he said. “Without Latino fans and teams, it would not be the same World Cup.”
For Mexican Americans and other Latinos who were born in the U.S., they identify with Spanish broadcasts because it brings them a connection, Cauich said.
“It’s just like music,” he said. “You may not speak Spanish, but you like Spanish music because your mom used to listen to it. It’s the same connection that Latinos have with soccer. They remember watching it with their parents, and that’s why they like listening to Spanish broadcasts.”
The World Cup is an opportunity not just for people to embrace their cultures but also celebrate with others and show them the way they celebrate.
“If you go to Koreatown, you’ll see streets are closed just to watch the game because they put out giant scenes,” Cauich said. “The whole community comes together, and not just Koreans, it’s for everyone. You’re going to see this a lot in all cultures.”
Los Angeles is home to people of many different ethnicities, and the World Cup season will shine a spotlight on that, he said.
“You’ll see Argentinians, Brazilians, Americans, Mexicans, and many more throwing different parties,” Cauich said. “Fans want to share their passion with the world, and I think the coolest part about the World Cup is meeting fans from different countries who all see soccer differently, yet we share the same identity with it.”
In 1994, when the United States hosted the World Cup for the first time, there were only 24 teams. This year, there are 48 teams, bringing an opportunity for more fans to celebrate and attend more games.
“Forty-eight teams, 16 cities, and three countries — Mexico, the U.S., and Canada — hosting, it’s going to be a different experience,” he said.
Under the guidance of Cauich and Editor-in-Chief Jaya Roberts, The Sundial produced a special World Cup edition magazine celebrating the global tournament with original content by CSUN students. CSUN’s student-run organization also has a World Cup section that will feature content leading up to the competition.