New York hotel staff who welcomed World Cup fans then became them
The article profiles Martha Bustillo, a 65-year-old housekeeper at the Lexington Hotel in New York, and 23 other hotel employees from New York and New Jersey who were selected by their union (Hotel & Gaming Trades Council) to attend a World Cup match at MetLife Stadium. Bustillo, a Honduran immigrant and soccer fan, had been priced out of attending games due to high ticket costs (around $900 for group-stage matches). The union initiative, part of broader state and city programs distributing over 2,500 tickets to residents, allowed these workers to experience the tournament firsthand. Bustillo attended England's group-stage win over Panama, having previously interacted with fans from Brazil, England, and Panama while working at the hotel. The story highlights the contrast between serving World Cup guests and finally being able to participate as a fan.
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