Albert Samaha
@samaha.bsky.social
journalist & author of “Concepcion” & “Never Ran, Never Will” / albertcsamaha@gmail.com / https://samaha.substack.com/
Wrote about people trying to get last-minute World Cup Final tickets outside the stadium: wapo.st/4pqGVY0
The World Cup final was minutes away. How much would it cost to get in?
For fans trying to get last-minute tickets to the most expensive soccer match in history, a crowded market tested their devotion — and their bank accounts.
wapo.st
Wrote about people trying to get last-minute World Cup Final tickets outside the stadium: wapo.st/4pqGVY0
The World Cup final was minutes away. How much would it cost to get in?
For fans trying to get last-minute tickets to the most expensive soccer match in history, a crowded market tested their devotion — and their bank accounts.
wapo.st
“England fans were anxious about coming to Mexico. What they encountered was a soccer lover’s paradise inhabited by kindred spirits.” Wrote about the bonds forged in Mexico City last weekend: wapo.st/44qfdB7
English fans thought they were soccer-mad. Then they went to Mexico.
Ahead of the Sunday showdown, England fans were anxious about coming to Mexico. What they encountered was a soccer lover’s paradise inhabited by kindred spirits.
wapo.st
First time since 1990 the World Cup’s four semifinalists are all former champions
How are visiting soccer fans experiencing their World Cup vacation in Trump’s America? I spoke with more than 100 fans from more than a dozen countries, including some on the travel ban list. Here’s my story in @newyorker.com www.newyorker.com/sports/world...
How Tourists Are Experiencing Trump’s World Cup
Ahead of its co-hosting duties, the U.S. imposed strict travel restrictions on dozens of countries, including four participating in the tournament. Here’s what millions of visiting soccer fans encount...
newyorker.com
My dispatch from Mexico City, where I embedded with the lads: wapo.st/4f26FVZ
English fans thought they were soccer-mad. Then they went to Mexico.
Ahead of the Sunday showdown, England fans were anxious about coming to Mexico. What they encountered was a soccer lover’s paradise inhabited by kindred spirits.
wapo.st
For World Cup countries on Trump’s travel ban, like Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, diasporas have tried to “cheer twice as loud.” I reported on the absence of tourists from those places, & the experiences of those from elsewhere, for @newyorker.com: www.newyorker.com/sports/world...
How Tourists Are Experiencing Trump’s World Cup
Ahead of its co-hosting duties, the U.S. imposed strict travel restrictions on dozens of countries, including four participating in the tournament. Here’s what millions of visiting soccer fans encount...
newyorker.com
England and Mexico fans united in their feelings about Argentina:
a smooth & festive transit ride to Estadio Azteca — easier, faster, and much much cheaper than Boston and Jersey!
As Mpasi puts together another masterpiece, here’s a story on him and other breakout keepers:
Albert Samaha@samaha.bsky.social · last mo.“Journeymen goalkeepers from African and Caribbean nations are becoming the breakout stars of this year’s tournament, standing strong against richer nations’ teams.” My story on World Cup underdogs: wapo.st/4xNT1hN
“Journeymen goalkeepers from African and Caribbean nations are becoming the breakout stars of this year’s tournament, standing strong against richer nations’ teams.” My story on World Cup underdogs: wapo.st/4xNT1hN
The old, unknown goalkeepers shutting down World Cup giants
Journeymen goalkeepers from African and Caribbean nations are becoming the breakout stars of this year’s tournament, standing strong against richer nations’ teams.
wapo.st
“For visitors who have plunked down thousands on travel, not to mention the most expensive tickets in World Cup history, food is one cost they can control.” My story on visiting fans turning to American fast-food to save money: wapo.st/3QihXx8
World Cup visitors marvel at American food, from cheesesteaks to cheese slices
After going broke on tickets, there’s only one way for these fans to save a buck: cheap (and greasy) eats.
wapo.st
Spoke to more than a dozen Senegal fans before the France match today — all immigrants living in the US or children of immigrants. Nearly everyone said they had family in Senegal who wanted to come but couldn’t due to the US tourist visa ban.
If you’re curious about Cape Verde after that historic showing in its World Cup debut, I spoke with the team’s players and the country’s people about football culture on the archipelago: www.cntraveler.com/story/to-und...
To Understand Cape Verde's Soccer Roots, Head to the Beach
The archipelago of Cape Verde may be small, but the love for beach soccer is mighty—and this World Cup, the country will finally get to show off its skills.
cntraveler.com
Ecuador fans far outnumber Côte d’Ivoire fans here in Philly, at least in part because of the US tourist visa ban. That means fewer chances for these fun moments of playful cross-cultural trash talk
Our developing dispatch from the happiest city in the world: wapo.st/44cuNQw
New Yorkers flood the city as Knicks win improbable NBA title
New York’s unlikely title run fueled epic celebrations, sky-high ticket prices and celebrities galore. Now comes the real party.
wapo.st
Soon as the Brazil-Morocco match in NJ ended, a rush to the exits, a bunch of folks running to catch the Knicks
“Maybe I was doomed to cycle through well-trodden paths crammed with fellow seekers, wandering in futile search of even the smallest whiff of discovery, desperate for surprise but seeing only what others have shown me.” A Japan travelog: open.substack.com/pub/samaha/p...
Looking For An Authentic Local Experience In Japan? Try A Basketball Game.
A Japan travelog
open.substack.com
On-the-ground reporting on how Knicks fans have experienced this magical run: Brooklyn’s hottest Knicks bar: wapo.st/4dCcp9r Wemby as NYC’s latest villain: wapo.st/4vsfxuB Trump getting booed: wapo.st/4vbGwLk Parties out in the streets: wapo.st/3S4XA74
A Brooklyn sports bar starring Spike Lee, the mayor and, suddenly, joy
Fans of the Knicks and Arsenal have long experienced disappointment. They finally have reasons to cheer.
wapo.st
“we’re just a happy city with some happy people” — scenes from last night’s celebration: wapo.st/4xn6ixu
An epic Knicks comeback sparked an epic New York night
For much of Wednesday night, it seemed the Knicks were suddenly cursed again. Then the team, and the city, roared to life.
wapo.st
Some folks showed up as early as 2pm to get a good spot at the MSG watch party, only to learn around 3:30pm that it has been cancelled.
Spurs might have won the game but getting absolutely mauled by these NYC teens outside their bus
