Who do you cheer for when your heart is in more than one place? For many Londoners, the World Cup is more than just football – it’s a reflection of identity, family and belonging in one of the most diverse cities in the world.
Born and raised in south-east London to a Moroccan mother, I have often asked myself that same question. When international tournaments come around, I find myself thinking about which team truly represents me.
To find out if I was alone, I travelled across the capital meeting people whose loyalties are shaped by more than one country.
My first stop was Mottingham, south-east London, where I met a Colombian-English family preparing for a busy football schedule.
They were getting ready for the England-Panama match, followed that same evening with Colombia playing Portugal. Empanadas were being prepared.
When asked who they would support if Colombia played England, opinions were divided.
With a cheeky smile, Martin, 10, immediately said: “Colombia! I’d support them as I fit in with their culture a bit better as I’m very extra.”
