The "USA - Walia" connection is primarily rooted in the unique sports and cultural relationship between the United States and the , affectionately known as the Walias (named after the endangered Walia Ibex ).
For the fans in attendance, the Walia Ibex —a mystical creature in Ethiopian legend said to have guided Saint Yared —represented more than just a team; it was a symbol of resilience and national pride . Beyond the Pitch
This relationship was highlighted by the second annual held on August 2, 2025, in Washington, D.C.. The Story of the "Walias" in the USA
The collaboration, spearheaded by D.C. United co-owner and Ethiopian native Eyob "Joe" Mamo , aims to bridge the gap between Ethiopian soccer and the international stage.
In the heart of the U.S. capital, which boasts a significant Ethiopian diaspora, the Ethiopian national team brought their highland resilience to to face Major League Soccer's D.C. United .
