Thousands of fans have packed Austin venues and bars to watch Mexico's national soccer team secure victories against South Africa and South Korea during its first two 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. Now, fans are preparing to root for Mexico again during its game against Czechia on Wednesday.
Austin is home to a large Mexican American community, and support for the Mexican national soccer team was especially strong at Auditorium Shores, where roughly 5,000 people attended the watch party hosted by Austin FC for Mexico's first match.
"It's a celebration that welcomes people of various nationalities and countries, it does not matter where you are from or what country you represent," Jonathan Rios said in Spanish about the high turnout for the game against South Africa.
Rios, who attended the watch party with his young son, said that despite being Colombian, he was cheering for Mexico out of appreciation for its culture and to support his Mexican friends. He said he hopes this year's World Cup inspires greater interest in soccer across the United States, similar to the passion the sport generates throughout Latin America.
"Especially given the number of Latinos here who love soccer — or fútbol, as we call it in our countries — it really should be more popular and receive more backing and support so that it can gain much more recognition here in the United States," Rios said in Spanish.
The World Cup has three different host countries this year for the first time in its history — Mexico, the United States and Canada — with 75% of the matches being held across the U.S.
Mariano Esquivel, a Mexico fan "since birth," said he is not a fan of the World Cup being hosted in three countries, especially given how expensive tickets are, but he appreciates how watch parties allow the community to come together.
"I think it was a bad idea because not everyone has the means to travel that much, the distances are huge. For instance, if you're at a match in Mexico City and have to go all the way to Canada, it's an all-day journey," Esquivel said in Spanish. "It's not very convenient, but that is what FIFA decided."
About 97 minutes, two goals and three red cards later, Mexico secured its first-ever victory in a World Cup opening match, defeating South Africa 2-0. Although excited about the win, fans said they are aware of the long road Mexico faces for a World Cup victory.
"It would be something unimaginable, and we would be happy for many, many years," Dominic Rojo said in Spanish. "I am realistic, and I think we will hopefully be at least top seven."
Similarly, Aracely Santiago, originally from Mexico, said she is rooting for Mexico but thinks Portugal or Spain is the frontrunner for the World Cup trophy.
"It would be super cool, it would be incredible, but I do see it as difficult because the big names are still on the other teams," Santiago said in Spanish. "Statistically, I think there's a 1% chance [Mexico will] win."
Jerardo Echeverria, however, said he thinks the chances of Mexico winning on a scale of 1-10 are 10. He said that although he is from a small town in Texas, his Mexican parents instilled their love for Mexico's team in him from a young age.
"My blood bleeds Mexico," Echeverria said. "I hope that my dad gets a win [and] gets to be able to see Mexico be their best, the only reason why I'm into soccer is because of my father."
Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 on Thursday, securing a spot in the next round and moving one step closer to a World Cup trophy.
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