The atmosphere in Mexico City last Thursday night was jubilant following Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa in the World Cup opener. Crowds gathered around the Angel of Independence, where the air was thick with the scents of spilled beer and urine, common in large celebrations. The Insurgentes roundabout, bustling with green-clad fans, had recently hosted a Beatles tribute show, yet a lingering sense of incompleteness hung in the air.
In Roma Norte, an affluent neighborhood about an hour from the Azteca Stadium, many fans wore brand new jerseys, a noteworthy detail considering numerous attendees were Mexicans residing in the United States. A recurring theme during the tournament’s early days emerged: local fans attending Liga MX matches have been priced out. Nearby, at a modest bar off Avenida del Imán, where a young cook grilled burritos on a hot plate, the mood was mixed. Couples danced outside, and while there was a palpable sense of relief after a disappointing group-stage exit in 2022, there were also grievances.
One major concern was that the event felt overly Mexican. For a global tournament, there was a distinct lack of international representation. The scarcity of yellow shirts in the stadium was striking, and ticket prices likely contributed to this. A South African family, residing in the U.S., reported paying $1,000 each for their tickets. Some Mexican fans expressed their desire to have seen Scotland or the Netherlands compete, yearning for a diverse fan experience that epitomizes the World Cup. The arrival of Colombian fans in Mexico City has begun to fulfill this wish ahead of their match against Uzbekistan.
Looking ahead, all eyes are on Thursday night in Guadalajara, where Mexico will face South Korea. The two nations have fostered a warm camaraderie since the 2018 World Cup, when South Korea’s shocking 2-0 win over Germany advanced Mexico into the knockout stage. During the celebrations in Mexico City, South Korea’s ambassador was hoisted on shoulders as local fans joyfully chanted, “¡Coreano, hermano, ya eres mexicano!” – “Korean, brother, you are Mexican now!” This chant has resurfaced in Guadalajara, where South Korea triumphed 2-1 against Czechia in their opening match. A group of Korean fans received a warm welcome at a wrestling event, complete with the arena DJ playing Gangnam Style, and videos of locals and Koreans sharing PSY’s horse dance have flooded social media.
However, concerns linger regarding Mexico’s gameplay. Their initial strong performance against a surprisingly passive South Africa seemed to set unrealistic expectations. In the 17 minutes following Sphephelo Sithole’s red card, booing could be heard from the stands, reflecting a deeper frustration with coach Javier Aguirre’s perceived overly cautious tactics.
Changes are imminent for Aguirre as captain César Montes will serve a suspension due to his late red card in the opener. Edson Álvarez, who spent last season on loan at Fenerbahce from West Ham, is expected to step in to fill the gap in defense. Additionally, Jorge Sánchez appears poised to replace Israel Reyes at right-back, while 17-year-old Gil Mora, who came on as a substitute in the match against South Africa, may take over for Brian Gutiérrez in the midfield.
A final training session in Mexico City, where the grass was specifically cultivated to mimic Guadalajara’s turf at Aguirre’s request, faced interruptions from a storm, delaying the team’s flight to Guadalajara on Tuesday. Approximately a dozen fans gathered to bid them farewell. Among them was María Isabel Castro, who held a handmade sign that read: “Effort and courage, always forward, may God always watch over and protect you.” She expressed her disappointment with Mexico’s lack of “bravery” against South Africa and criticized Aguirre for conducting closed training sessions, which she felt excluded fans unable to afford tickets.
In the lead-up to the opening match, protests from various societal sectors—including teachers, retired judges, and families of the 134,000 missing persons—cast a shadow over the event, raising concerns about potential disruptions. However, as Mexico prepares for their next game, the focus has shifted towards the anticipated festivities in Guadalajara. Authorities have mandated remote work and closed schools in both Mexico City and Guadalajara. For many, Thursday’s match feels like the true commencement of the World Cup.
