Style Outside the FIFA World Cup: Fans, Fashion, and Flags

Before the FIFA World Cup first arrived in the United States during the summer of 1994, Americans primarily experienced soccer through posters, magazines, and video games. U.S.A. ’94 brought the sport to life, merging soccer with fashion in a way that had previously been unexplored in America. That year, the ‘denim jersey’ of the United States became as recognizable as Brazil’s yellow ‘Amarelinha’ or Italy’s ‘Azzurri’ kits.

Thirty-two years later, the tournament is back on American soil, igniting incredible enthusiasm in team identity over three weeks and in four cities. Photographer Simbarashe Cha traveled to six matches, selected to represent FIFA’s six continental confederations.

Soccer Meets Style

The journey began with the United States against Paraguay in Los Angeles, where the shared tricolors of both teams were difficult to distinguish. Fans brought unique styles, with Americans favoring cowboy aesthetics and vibrant overalls.

A fan draped in the Senegalese flag at the France-Senegal match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Passion on Display

A Portugal fan at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami dressed elegantly in a flag suit, embodying the nerves of the match.

A Mexico fan with colorful hair at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles before Iran-New Zealand.

Austria fans brought lederhosen to the Argentina match, evoking Oktoberfest vibes.

Martin and Matias Freire traveled from Milan and Amsterdam to support Argentina. Painting faces was a first for them and a memorable experience.

A Boston fan blended European and American style with a cowboy hat supporting France.

Traditional and Creative Outfits

Misaki Kawamura wore a traditional yukata and sensu fan supporting Japan against Sweden in Arlington, Texas.

Despite Costa Rica missing the World Cup, their motto ‘Pura Vida’ was present at the Argentina-Austria match.

Paraguay fans showing their colors in Los Angeles against the United States.

Hours before the U.S. home opener, fans arrived with stars-and-stripes gear, showing little concern for the blazing sun.

Ulises Actis Dato, 12, attended his second World Cup match from Argentina, witnessing Argentina versus Austria in Texas.

Argentina fans outnumbered Austria fans in Arlington, Texas, and vibrant soccer shops offered jerseys from around the world.

Swedish fans celebrated post-match against Japan, with horned helmets being popular among Sweden and Norway supporters.

In Miami, a Colombian fan creatively showcased team colors without a jersey.

Tomokazu Sato traveled from Tokyo in a samurai ensemble for Japan’s match against Sweden.

New Zealand fans in Los Angeles found versatile uses for their country’s flag, adopting it as clothing.

Alfeo Dixon in a Pelé shirt the day after the U.S. match against Paraguay.

New Zealand supporters wore ‘All Black’ kits, while others retained flag colors: blue, red, and white.

A family aptly wore hachimaki headbands to support Japan against Sweden in Dallas.

A Palestine fan at the Iran-New Zealand match spoke on the intersection of politics and sport.

Gustavo Llanos, known as Birdman, energized crowds in Miami for Colombia’s match versus Portugal. He remains a fixture at consecutive World Cups.

Miami found inventive ways to display Colombian colors through accessories and unique fashion.

Creativity with Cultural Symbols

Sarah Fiorillo and Omeed Salimi sported shirts inspired by Persian rugs, expressing cheer for Iran against New Zealand.

Mostafa Pourmand, 71, embodied patriotism for Iran during Los Angeles Stadium’s Iran-New Zealand match.

A young Portugal fan understood the magnitude of his country’s hopes.

Iranian fans created a community celebration in Los Angeles during their match with New Zealand.

A distinctive Senegalese hat dazzled spectators in New Jersey.

Diana Hernandez from Colombia expressed joy at Colombia’s game against Portugal.

Simbarashe Cha, a Times photographer, captures style and fashion globally.