Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador: World Cup matches bring international pride to Philly

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- For Victor Argothy, following Ecuador's national soccer team has taken him around the world. Now, for the first time, the experience is coming to his own backyard in Philadelphia.

Argothy said he has attended all four of Ecuador's World Cup appearances and keeps ticket stubs as proof of his travels. With the team set to play in Philadelphia, he said the moment feels especially meaningful.

"When I heard they were coming to Philly, that was a highlight for me," he said.

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A native of Ecuador, Argothy said soccer plays a central role in connecting people to their culture and to one another.

"Soccer is a big part of the culture. I think that's how many people connect," he said.

That sense of connection is shared by fans of the Ivory Coast national team, who are also preparing to support their country locally.

"Oh yeah! It's the number one game in Ivory Coast. Soccer is number one," said Ibrahim Bamba, president of the Ivorians of the Delaware Valley.

The Ivory Coast team recently received an enthusiastic welcome when they arrived in Delaware, reflecting the strong local support from the region's Ivorian community. Bamba said about 1,000 Ivorians live in the Delaware Valley.

Fans say the matches offer more than just competition on the field, serving as a celebration of culture and identity. Language, food and traditions all play a role in the experience.

Ivory Coast's national language is French, while Ecuador's is Spanish -- both heard among fans chanting during games.

"You're being exposed to special roots of the culture," said Andres Eguaiza of Fairmount Park.

A number of people in the Ecuadorian community have settled in Upper Darby.

"The iconic food from Ecuador is encenbollado. That's a fish soup with tomato broth. It's very popular with Ecuadorians," said Argothy.

The Ivory Coast is also full of fresh cuisine.

"We have soups like peanut butter soup and palm oil soup," said Bamba.

Traditional Ivory Coast attire includes garments made by hand.

A team jersey might as well be traditional Ecuadorian attire as far as Argothy is concerned.

His friends and family are flying into town to catch the game.

The Ivory Coast will also have a crowd of fans.

No matter which team wins, fans on each side are happy they won't have to leave home to cheer on their home countries.