The atmosphere in Mexico City was jubilant last Thursday night following a 2-0 victory against South Africa in the World Cup opener. Crowds gathered around the Angel of Independence, and Calle Río Sena was not just crowded but filled with the unmistakable aromas of spilled beer and the remnants of festive celebrations. The big roundabout at Insurgentes, previously alive with a Beatles tribute band, overflowed with fans clad in green.
However, there was a palpable feeling that something essential was lacking. This celebration took place in Roma Norte, a relatively affluent neighborhood about an hour from the Azteca Stadium, where many shirts appeared brand new. A sizable number of attendees were Mexicans residing in the U.S. A recurring theme early in the tournament has been the exclusion of local fans from the stadium due to high ticket prices. Just a short distance from the stadium, in a modest bar near Avenida del Imán, the ambiance was somewhat mixed. Couples danced joyfully outside, and a sense of relief permeated the air. After a disappointing exit in 2022, the team has at least secured a chance to advance to the knockout stage. There was also joy for Raúl Jiménez, who scored his first World Cup goal in his fourth appearance.
Nevertheless, two primary concerns emerged. First, many felt the event overly reflected Mexican culture, lacking the international spirit typical of a World Cup. The scarcity of yellow shirts in the stadium stood out, particularly given the ticket prices. One South African family, living in the U.S., recounted paying $1,000 each for their tickets. Several Mexicans expressed a desire for a more diverse representation, mentioning how they wished to see fans from Scotland, the Netherlands, or Ireland. This longing for a blend of fan cultures is what many believe encapsulates the true essence of the World Cup. Colombian fans have started arriving in Mexico City, adding some international flavor as they prepare for their match against Uzbekistan.
The upcoming match on Thursday night in Guadalajara against South Korea is generating significant anticipation. Since the 2018 World Cup, fans from both nations have shared a unique camaraderie, particularly after South Korea’s surprising 2-0 win over Germany, which propelled Mexico into the knockout stage. During the celebrations in Mexico City, the South Korean ambassador was joyfully hoisted by fans in front of the embassy, with chants of “¡Coreano, hermano, ya eres mexicano!” — “Korean, brother, you are Mexican now!” This chant has resurfaced in Guadalajara, where South Korea triumphed over Czechia 2-1 in their opening match. When Korean fans attended a local wrestling event, the arena’s DJ welcomed them with
