As the FIFA World Cup captured the attention of people across the country, photographers from NPR member stations fanned out to document how communities came together to celebrate the tournament.
From public parks and open plazas to street corners and areas outside stadium gates, fans gathered in large numbers to watch the matches and cheer on their favorite national teams. For a brief but memorable stretch of time, the World Cup became part of the rhythm of daily life in cities and towns throughout the nation.
One striking image showed a six-year-old named Nehemiah cheering loudly for Mexico during halftime at Auditorium Shores, where Austin FC hosted a FIFA World Cup watch party for the Mexico versus South Africa match on Thursday, June 11.
The photographs, taken by Patricia Lim and other NPR member station photographers, offer a vivid look at how a global sporting event can bring people of all backgrounds out into shared public spaces, united by the excitement of the game.
