In Austin, a vibrant and enthusiastic crowd has gathered to support Mexico’s national soccer team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Venues across the city have been filled with thousands of fans celebrating Mexico’s victories against South Africa and South Korea in their opening matches. As anticipation builds for the upcoming game against Czechia, the excitement continues to swell.
With a significant Mexican American population, Austin’s support for the national team was prominently displayed at Auditorium Shores, where around 5,000 fans attended a watch party hosted by Austin FC for Mexico’s first match. Jonathan Rios, who brought his young son to the event, expressed the inclusive spirit of the celebration, saying it welcomes people from all backgrounds, regardless of nationality.
Rios, a Colombian, shared his support for Mexico out of admiration for its culture and solidarity with his Mexican friends. He hopes that this World Cup will spark increased interest in soccer across the United States, comparable to the enthusiasm seen in Latin America. “Given the number of Latinos here who love soccer — or fútbol, as we call it — it deserves more recognition and support in the U.S.,” he remarked.
This year marks a historic World Cup with matches hosted by three countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with 75% of the games taking place in the U.S.
Mariano Esquivel, a lifelong fan of Mexico, expressed his discontent with the multi-country hosting arrangement, particularly due to the high cost of tickets. He believes that while watch parties foster community spirit, the logistical challenges of traveling between venues can be daunting. “Traveling from Mexico City to Canada, for instance, is a lengthy journey,” he noted, highlighting the inconvenience of the current setup.
After a thrilling match filled with excitement, Mexico achieved a historic 2-0 victory over South Africa in their World Cup opening game. Fans celebrated this milestone, but many acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead for Mexico in their quest for the World Cup title.
Dominic Rojo expressed a mix of hope and realism, stating, “It would be unimaginable, and we would celebrate for years. Realistically, I think we can aim for at least a top-seven finish.”
Aracely Santiago, who hails from Mexico, shares her support for the national team but believes other teams, like Portugal or Spain, are stronger contenders for the championship. “It would be amazing if we won, but the competition is fierce with many top players on other teams,” she added, estimating Mexico’s chances at just 1%.
On the other hand, Jerardo Echeverria is brimming with optimism, rating Mexico’s chances of winning as a perfect 10. Growing up in a small Texas town, he credits his Mexican heritage and his father’s passion for the game as the driving force behind his love for soccer. “My blood bleeds Mexico,” he stated with pride, expressing hope that his father will witness Mexico’s success.
Following their victory over South Korea, which secured their advancement to the next round, Mexico fans remain hopeful as they cheer on their team, one step closer to the ultimate prize in soccer.
