Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/ Catchlight Local/ Report for AmericaFrom wearing luchador masks to drumming and dancing — Borderless Magazine captured how some immigrant communities showcased their traditions across Chicago’s World Cup watch parties.
When the World Cup returned in June, a swath of viewing parties sprang up across the Chicago area.
From visiting a Creole restaurant on the Far North Side to a Pilsen brewery, a historic Bridgeport theater and a Moroccan restaurant in the West Loop — here’s what Borderless Magazine’s visuals team captured as immigrant communities came together to watch their favorite teams compete for the cup.
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Haiti vs. Morocco
Within ten minutes of kickoff, customers at Kizin Creole, a Haitian restaurant in West Ridge, were on their feet celebrating a goal against Morocco. At this point in the tournament, Haiti was already eliminated from advancing, but a modest crowd still showed up to support their team at this dimly-lit establishment. Morocco eventually dominated the match, but the energy was still felt when Haiti scored their two goals.
“Haitians all over the place, they are very much committed to seeing Haiti play after 52 years [since being in the World Cup],” says owner Daneil Desir. “Even people who are not a fan of soccer — they were all excited to wear the Haitian red and blue.”
Mexico vs. South Korea
At Monochrome Brewery in Pilsen, Mexico fans packed the bar to watch their team face South Korea. The first half was tense. Some people in the crowd attempted to start off chants for levity, the majority of the room remained focused on the screen.
Ten minutes into the second half, the tension in the room broke after Luis Romo scored the first and only goal of the night. Fans joined together in chants of “Mexico! Mexico!” However, as South Korea increased their offensive attacks, the crowd went quiet again, coming to life only to cheer on defensive plays.
Camilla Forte/Borderless Magazine/ Catchlight Local/ Report for America David Rosa wears a luchador mask at the Mexico vs. South Korea World Cup watch party at Monochrome Brewing in Pilsen on June 18, 2026.
During the last minutes of the game, Monochrome owner Enrique Rivera stood on a ladder to hype up the crowd, ready to celebrate. As the clock ran out, cumbia music blasted through the speakers as bartenders passed out celebratory shots of tequila.
Mexico fans, equal parts overjoyed and relieved, spilled out onto 21st street, heading home.
Mexico vs. Ecuador
Despite an hour-long delay, the atmosphere at the Ramova Theater in Bridgeport remained cheerful. Mexico fans danced throughout the halftime break. Chants of “¿Y si sí?” echoed throughout the second half. The celebration and dancing continued until the end of the night as Mexico secured another win.
Morocco vs. Canada
For the Round of 16, the dining room of the spacious Mediterranean restaurant, Alhambra Palace, filled up with a majorly Morocco-backing crowd. The energy of the room built with each play as Morocco secured a 3-0 victory over Canada. As Morocco scored their third goal, fans jumped to their feet. Morocco flags were raised, drums beating and fans joining arms to dance and sing, “Olé, Olé, Olé.”
Morocco vs. France
At Zebda, a North African restaurant on the Northwest Side, small groups gathered in front of a single TV to watch Morocco take on France in the quarterfinals. A partially updated World Cup bracket poster hung on the wall behind fans. The vibe at Zebda was laidback, but most of the patron’s attention remained glued to the game throughout. While Morocco put up a good fight in the first half, Kylian Mbappé and France took control by the second half and moved on in the cup with a 2-0 victory. Most of Zebda’s patrons headed out the door as the final whistle blew and Morocoo’s World Cup journey came to an end.
Max Herman is Borderless Magazine’s Visuals Editor. Email Max at [email protected].
Camilla Forte is a CatchLight fellow and Report for America Corps Member covering immigrant communities for Borderless Magazine. She can be reached at [email protected].
