Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey are the three Mexican host cities for this mega World Cup, jointly organized with the United States and Canada. Pictures from these cities quickly spread on social media, showing fans from many countries celebrating with local fans.
In the narrow streets of Monterrey’s nightlife district, older women in sandals dance salsa hand in hand with Dutch fans while loud reggae music blasts from speakers in bars and restaurants. Other locals jump into a circle with the World Cup tourists, taking turns waving Moroccan and Mexican flags. Mexican fans are cheering on supporters of other teams, even tossing them in the air before catching up as a group. One particularly strong image shows fans consoling South Korean supporters after a 1-0 defeat before feeding them tequila shots.
“I was a little afraid that I would fall to the ground and get hurt, but they caught me,” Leonardo Jun of South Korea told DW. “Everyone took pictures with me as if I was a pop star. It’s great to be welcomed that way.”
“You can really experience the World Cup here,” said Sebastian from Colombia, who managed to score tickets for a match at the famous Azteca Stadium.
His compatriot Xavier explained: “This is my first World Cup, and the Mexicans have already become like brothers to us.”
While headlines in the United States initially focused on issues entering the country, high public transportation costs, and unique tipping culture, Mexico offers an authentic openness and warmth that many international visitors appreciate. Brenda, herself a Mexican, believes that “all three hosts are doing a great job, but there is something special about Mexico.”
Hosted a record three times
From Egypt Ahmed also traveled to Mexico City.
“I had high expectations, and I was not disappointed. Mexico has an amazing culture of hospitality and, after all, knows a thing or two about major soccer events.”
Mexico becomes the only country to host the World Cup for the third time, following the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.
In this regard, Mexico has an edge over Canada and the United States, where other sports such as ice hockey, baseball, basketball and American football take center stage. For example, there was little discussion of the World Cup in the early days in New York; Football was eclipsed by the New York Knicks’ first NBA title win in more than half a century.
Football culture has deep roots
By contrast, in Mexico, football is deeply embedded in the national psyche and is ubiquitous these days. National team players are smiling on numerous roadside billboards, and the usually red Coca-Cola cans are being sold in green – the color of the national jersey.
From taxi drivers and flight attendants to pizza delivery workers, everyone is wearing a green jersey with a golden eagle emblazoned on the chest – the national symbol that also adorns the center of the Mexican flag.
“The only problem with this World Cup is that it’s not taking place in Mexico the whole time,” said Tom, who traveled from Yorkshire, England.
Jenny said, “I think Mexico did better than the United States and Canada. For me, they are the winners among the hosts.”
Mexico and Canada were both allocated 13 matches – a small fraction of the total of 104 games. The opening match took place in Mexico City, but the Round of 16 match between “El Tri” and England would be the last match in the country. All games through the quarterfinals will be played in the United States.
The protests that took place in Mexico before the start of the tournament, as well as the debate over match security, are now a distant memory. For most fans, none of this matters anymore. Crowd control remains a more serious concern after three fans died after being struck by the crowd during the celebration.
This article is taken from German language.
Edited by: Jonathan Harding