Mexico City Fan Fests Celebrate El Tri's World Cup Opening Victory

Mexico City saw widespread jubilation as El Tri, the Mexican national football team, clinched a 2-0 victory against South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. Cheers resonated across all 16 of the city's boroughs, where 18 free Fan Fest sites were established for public viewing.

Attendance at these sites was high, with thousands of fans arriving early. At the FIFA Fan Fest in the Zócalo, hundreds began queuing by 3 a.m., and by 8:30 a.m., nearly 15,000 supporters, many in El Tri jerseys, were waiting. The Zócalo reached its 40,000-person capacity approximately 30 minutes before the 1 p.m. kickoff, leading police to direct late arrivals to other sites, such as the Fan Fest in Plaza Garibaldi.

Among the attendees were prominent figures including President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mayor Clara Brugada. They watched the match at the Fan Fest located in Deportivo Hermanos Galeana in the Gustavo A. Madero borough. Both officials were seen celebrating enthusiastically, with President Sheinbaum waving a Mexican flag after a goal.

The first goal came nine minutes into the match, when Julián Quiñones scored with a low shot. The euphoria intensified in the 67th minute as Raúl Jiménez secured the second goal, nodding in a cross. The victory capped off a day of anticipation and celebration for fans.

Other viewing locations included Parque Las Americas in the Benito Juárez borough, which hosted nearly 1,000 residents, and the iconic Angel of Independence Monument on Reforma Avenue, where large screens were set up, drawing significant crowds for the unofficial viewing site.

According to Mexico News Daily, city officials noted the convivial atmosphere at various fan fest locations throughout the day.