Mexico: A Passionate Journey Through Three World Cups

omidbasir- When the ball first rolled at the 1970 World Cup, Mexico didn’t just open its stadiums; it unveiled its very essence. This tournament marked the first World Cup held in Latin America outside of Brazil, bringing forth football legends such as Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, Jairzinho, and Tostão.

The world was introduced to Estadio Azteca, a monumental venue steeped in history. In the warm air of June, Pelé’s Brazil triumphed, claiming their third World Cup title, thus etching the Azteca into the annals of football history as sacred ground.

Fast forward to 1986, Mexico found itself chosen by destiny once more. Despite the scars of the devastating earthquakes in 1985, the nation overflowed with hope and resilience. This World Cup transcended football; it became a testament to national spirit.

It was also the stage for Diego Armando Maradona, who danced past English defenders, showcased the controversial ‘Hand of God’, and embraced his genius. The streets filled with the smiles of millions of Mexicans, who, no matter the hardships, poured out with flags and dreams. While global conversations centered around Maradona, the heart of Mexico spoke of hope, as the World Cup played out not just on the pitch, but in the lives of those yearning for joy.

Now, as we approach 2026, history repeats itself. When FIFA announced Mexico, alongside the U.S. and Canada, as the host for the 2026 World Cup, it was more than a logistical choice—it was an acknowledgment of passion and culture, of a people who revere football as if it were their religion.

For the third time, the eyes of the world will focus on a land characterized by chillies, mariachis, and exuberant celebrations of goals. Mexico will become the only nation to have hosted three World Cups—a monumental achievement.

This upcoming tournament will feature 48 teams, 16 groups, and 104 matches. However, for Mexicans, every game on home turf will be an emotional pilgrimage. From the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to BBVA Stadium in Monterrey and Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, three venues will pulse with the heartbeat of a nation.

Mexico offers not just stadiums but an atmosphere that is felt deeply. Here, football is an experience; it resonates through the stands with cries of ‘¡Sí se puede!’ and the sight of children playing with makeshift balls in the streets.

Estadio Azteca, with nearly 90,000 seats and decades of history, will again serve as the epicenter of emotion. It is more than a stadium; it is a vessel of memories, where every brick holds stories shared between generations, filled with tears and embraces.

The BBVA Stadium, sleek and modern against Monterrey’s mountainous backdrop, will showcase a contemporary Mexico. The Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, with its futuristic design, will merge tradition with modernity, creating a unique atmosphere.

Each city will offer a distinctive experience. Mexico City, a bustling metropolis; Guadalajara, the birthplace of mariachi and tequila; Monterrey, a symbol of hard work and innovation. Three cities, one shared passion.

In Mexico City, football is mythic. The pulse of a city that never sleeps is reflected in its food stalls and the rhythm of life. Matches here symbolize the national spirit, extending beyond the Estadio Ciudad de México to every neighborhood, café, and fonda.

In Guadalajara, football intertwines with culture. Akron Stadium will represent a vibrant Mexico steeped in tradition. Monterrey, known as ‘the Sultana of the North’, symbolizes ambition and progress, where the BBVA Stadium will reverberate with the passionate chants of its crowd.

Three cities, three perspectives on the same love for football. Each will provide a unique interpretation of the game.

The Estadio Ciudad de México, historically known as Estadio Azteca, requires no introduction. A colossal structure that has witnessed the passage of legends, it will once again welcome the world. In 1970, Pelé celebrated Brazil’s greatness, and in 1986, Maradona made history with extraordinary feats. Close to 40 years later, the renovated Azteca will again vibrate with the sounds of joyous fans and echo the emotions of an entire nation.

This iconic venue is not just a stadium; it is a portal to history. As the tournament kicks off in 2026, it will signify not just the beginning of matches but a global reunion with football’s legacy.

The Estadio Ciudad de México will embody the spirit of the World Cup, making every game a celebration of football’s enduring essence. In Mexico, football is not merely played; it lives vibrantly.

Discussing the World Cup in Mexico means discussing its people—the fervent fans who transform every match into a multisensory celebration. They travel great distances, adorned in colors and exuberance, to revel in the spectacle. For Mexicans, attending a match is a celebration of life, turning stadiums into carnivals of passion.

Mexico’s supporters have been a constant presence at past World Cups, showcasing unparalleled enthusiasm regardless of the outcome. They are the fifth-largest group of fans, marked by their devotion. Football, for them, transcends sport; it is the essence of their identity.

In 2026, for the first time, three nations will co-host the World Cup: Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. This collaboration presents a fascinating blend of cultures and approaches to the game.

While football is still establishing its identity in Canada and expanding in the U.S., in Mexico, it is a language spoken from infancy. This coexistence will create an unparalleled World Cup experience—one that is more diverse, inclusive, and human.

Although matches will span the continent, Mexico offers something unique: Soul. Each World Cup leaves a lasting mark, but in Mexico, the legacy is profound. The 1970 tournament ushered in modernization, while 1986 evoked cherished memories of dreams inspired by football. In 2026, the legacy will be ‘connection’.

This World Cup will present an opportunity for Mexico to share its evolving identity with the world—showing a more open, technological, and globalized nation while inspiring a generation that has yet to witness the legendary tournaments first-hand.

Above all, this tournament symbolizes football as a vehicle for unity. The Mexican spirit shines brightest in the face of adversity, celebrating joy amid chaos.

On every local pitch, children in green jerseys dream of scoring at the Azteca, unaware of the past but eager to experience their own World Cup moment. This tournament will reflect their potential and aspirations, as football thrives not just on the pitch but in the imagination of dreamers.

Among these children could be the next Mexican football sensation, destined to unite the nation with a spectacular goal. The 2026 World Cup will not only celebrate past glories but also promise a bright future.

Few nations can transform a sporting event into a national celebration like Mexico. The murals adorning the cities, the taco stalls filled with spectators, the mariachis serenading fans—this is the essence of Mexican football.

Vibrant, chaotic, and sincere, it creates a carnival atmosphere that captivates newcomers. For many international visitors, this will be their first encounter with a Mexican World Cup, and they will quickly grasp why Mexico is the continent’s most passionate football nation.

The story of the Mexican national team is equally compelling. El Tri enters 2026 under pressure to break free from the longstanding burden of the ‘fifth match’ stigma. However, playing on home soil, with unwavering support from their fans and the weight of history behind them, may provide the impetus they need.

This challenge is as much emotional as it is athletic, demonstrating that talent, passion, and discipline can converge. Mexico aims not just to host World Cups but to win them.

The 2026 World Cup promises to be the most expansive yet, with more teams, matches, and stories to tell. Moreover, it will present countless opportunities to connect cultures—imagine Japanese fans dancing with mariachis, Canadian families sampling tacos for the first time, and Mexican supporters harmonizing with Americans in the stands.

It will serve as a meeting of worlds, bridging cultures, with football at its heart—a universal language that unites millions.

In 2026, as global cameras capture the first glimpses of the Azteca, millions will feel their hearts beat as one. When the whistle blows, the echoes of 1970 and 1986 will resonate once more.

The world will rediscover the unique spirit of Mexico, where football is not merely entertainment but an integral part of identity. Here, a goal is more than a mere shout; it is a profound expression of existence.

Mexico does not need to prove itself; it simply needs to embrace its essence—to transform every match into a celebration, to sing through adversity, and to embody a spirit that never wanes.

Three World Cups. Three generations. One profound passion. Mexico, the welcoming host, the singing nation, the heart that beats in rhythm with the ball.

In this corner of the world, football is not just an activity; it is a way of life. And as the world turns its gaze to the Azteca in 2026, it will witness a nation once more falling in love with the game that defines it.