It’s no surprise that one of the best games of the 2026 World Cup took place at Mexico’s famous Azteca Stadium.
Mexico’s unexpected World Cup winning streak ended with a loss to England, but the team’s spirit still led to something positive. More Mexican Americans are now traveling south to reconnect with their roots, language, and culture, according to longtime observers and travel data.
Across the U.S., many places hosted watch parties for Mexico’s team. In Los Angeles, the consulate organized events at Casa Mexico L.A. in downtown, right across from Plaza Olvera, which is the cultural center of the Mexican community. This historic spot is also where North America’s second-largest Mexican community began.
The US team was doing well until Donald Trump got involved in football matters. White House policies had already affected the tournament off the field, but when the president pushed FIFA to lift the one-match ban for striker Folarin Balogun after his red card against Bosnia, it damaged the US’s reputation even more.
The US, like Mexico, faced a strong, higher-ranked opponent in the last 16—Belgium. But unlike Mexico, they struggled. The president’s actions and the surrounding controversy seemed to affect the team, as Belgium won easily and even mocked Trump during their celebrations after the match.
Mexicans and Mexican Americans still remember President Trump’s racist comments, like saying Mexico is “not sending their best,” and claiming the country is overrun by drug cartels.
It was Mexico—not Trump or the U.S. team—that inspired fans across the continent. No matter where you watched, you could sense the excitement during their first knockout win against Ecuador. El Tri made the most of their home advantage, moving through the group stage smoothly and without giving up a goal.
Mexico’s time in the World Cup has ended, both as a host nation and as a team. From the quarter-finals on, all games will be played in the US, and neither Mexico nor Canada will have a major match in the final rounds.
Even with the World Cup now over, with Spain as the victor, Mexico’s national stadium and team finished with pride, leaving fans with one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history.
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