Local football celebrations in Argentina and Ecuador for 2026 World Cup

In the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires, residents organized a large "banderazo" on July 18, inviting families to bring Argentine jerseys, scarves and flags to paint Plaza Misericordia in sky‑blue and white colours. The event aims to boost morale for the national team ahead of the World Cup final against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Meanwhile, in Ecuador, the fourth round of the "Mundialito de los Pobres 2026" will feature the Remigio Crespo team coached by former national‑team forward Franklin “Mago” Salas. The tournament, held at the Jefferson Pérez Coliseum on July 16, includes matches across several groups and highlights Salas’s transition to coaching at the community level.