One of the things I’ve loved most about this journey as a photographer is how, when I’m on the right path with a project or simply following my gut, something seems to unfold that reaffirms I am where I’m supposed to be and doing what I’m supposed to be doing. On the first day of the project, before I had even made it through the first game, I had one of those moments.
I reconnected with a man who owns a small soccer store called Euceda Sports in San Pedro, CA. I stopped in to see if he was watching the opening game and he was there, watching with his dad. As we caught up and I told him about my project, he asked why I wasn’t wearing a jersey. I told him I wanted to stay neutral and avoid inserting myself too much into the moments I was documenting.
He paused.
A few seconds of silence (and roughly a hundred negative self-talk thoughts later) he pulled out a jersey he had made for a few of his buddies ahead of the World Cup. “This is the last one I have,” he said. It combined the flags of Mexico, Canada, and the United States. On the front was a custom crest that read, “UNITED NORTH AMERICA FIFA WORLD CUP 2026.”
He understood. It was about being together. And that was how it all started.
Throughout the rest of that first week, I would see and experience so much more. Over 50 people standing on top of homes for a view of the game. Fans hanging from traffic lights. Live bands and zapateados. Knives going through flags and attempts to burn them in protest. A solo elderly fan in tears and on her knees. Meals and drinks with friends old and new. And an unforgettably close call while looking for a bathroom! S%*t!
That first week really set the tone for the rest of the trip. I was one week in and already in love.
Film rolls shot: 57
Locations traveled: Koreatown · San Pedro · Beverly Hills · Persian Square · Inglewood · Los Angeles, California
A Gentle Reminder
For those, who are still interested in supporting or would like to share this with any friends or family, below are the links to help support the project.
Sponsor a Roll: https://www.polofilmphoto.com/wc-fundraiser-sponsor-a-roll
Purchase a Print: https://www.polofilmphoto.com/wc-fundraiser-print-sale
Donate to the Cause: https://www.polofilmphoto.com/wc-fundraiser-donate-to-the-cause
Thank you for being here. I’ll catch you all in the next one!
I liked these notes. Following this like my new fav serie