Los Angeles has been a swirling sea of green Mexico jerseys this World Cup: The sprawling city is bustling with matches from watch parties to bars, cafes and barber shops, and thousands of fans flocking to the Los Angeles Stadium.
The fact that Mexico hasn’t actually played a match at this tournament in Los Angeles hasn’t stopped fans from proudly displaying their colors, no matter who is on the field.
“After Mexico City, Los Angeles is the second-largest Mexican city in the world,” Gary, who was born in Mexico and moved to Southern California as a child, told DW. “Football is definitely ingrained in the culture here, and you can feel it.”
More than three million Mexicans and Mexican-Americans live in the Los Angeles area. Mexico’s intense passion for the game lives on with L.A.’s Mexican diaspora, and football serves to connect both home and shared history in the community.
the passion is waning
“I love the energy of the Mexican team,” Lucy, another Mexico fan, told DW. “And this is my dad’s jersey,” he continued, pointing to his light-faded green jersey. “It’s about 30 years old, exactly as old as me.”
Family relationships often ensure support el tri This is not a big option.
“The passion for Mexico was always there in my parents, my grandparents, my aunts and cousins,” Luis, a Mexico fan who was born and raised in Los Angeles, told DW.
Luis continued, “Everyone around us has always supported Mexico. And Mexico gave us a lot more memories of soccer than the United States.” He noted that whenever Mexico fans play they can be easily seen throughout the city.
“I was going to watch the Mexico game after work, and there was a long stretch in the middle of town where you saw people wearing green jerseys on the street. I think Mexico is really the favorite in Los Angeles.”
Most popular team in LA?
Despite Los Angeles hosting the United States’ first two games – both of which they won – Mexico may actually be the most popular team in the city at this World Cup.
“For a while, the U.S. men’s national team didn’t want to play Mexico in L.A. because it was Mexico’s home game,” Gary said.
Los Angeles-born USA striker Haji Wright grew up amid divided loyalties.
“It all depends on who you talk to,” he said. “I have friends who support Mexico and I have friends who support America. This country is a cultural mix and L.A. is no different.”
The large Mexican-American populations on both sides of the border mean that the United States and Mexico are often in a tug-of-war over dual national players. World Cup stars Obed Vargas and Brian Gutierrez were both born in the US and were selected to represent Mexico, while Los Angeles native Julian Araujo likely would have joined them on Mexico’s roster had he not been injured before the tournament.
a complex rivalry
This bitter football rivalry also divides fans.
Héctor begins an immediate debate with his friend Luis, saying, “If Mexico is eliminated from the tournament, I will side with the United States.”
“I don’t support America,” Lewis said. “I hate (former US international) Landon Donovan. Even though he was the best player in the US, I don’t like that guy.”
Gary, who unlike Luis and Hector was not born in the US but has lived here for nearly four decades, was more measured. He said, “If America plays, I’ll root for America. But if they play Mexico, I have to go to Mexico. It’s just within the culture.”
One look at the thousands of green Mexico jerseys paraded around L.A. during the World Cup, whether Mexico was playing or not, seemed to confirm Gary’s sentiment.
Edited by: Matt Pearson