Mexico soccer fans swarmed into Texas Live! in Arlington on July 5 for the FIFA World Cup knockout match between their team and England. It was the first time since 1986 that Mexico had advanced to the round of 16, bringing new hope to their fans.
The following day, U.S. fans would bring a similar hopeful energy to the USA vs. Belgium match. Patchy rain poured onto fans at Little Woodrow’s patio in Fort Worth, but most stayed in their seats, with or without umbrellas.
However, by each of these matches’ final whistles, both teams lost, ending their historic runs in this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Regardless, fans said that getting to watch their teams go further than expected left them hopeful.
Willow Park resident Justin Maloney celebrates USA’s goal during a World Cup game against Belgium on July 6 at Little Woodrow’s in Fort Worth. Maloney said USA has a lot to celebrate with its 250th birthday, having an American pope and hosting the World Cup. (Christine Vo | Fort Worth Report)
Omar Saenz, who was born in Juárez, Mexico, but raised in El Paso, Texas, wore a green Mexico hat and jersey, despite being at Little Woodrow’s to support the U.S. team.
Saenz said that, even though USA and Mexico lost their matches that day, he was proud of both teams because he identified with each of the nationalities. And with the two teams being the underdogs in the World Cup, he knew he had to root for both.
Fans cheer during the World Cup Mexico vs England game July 5 at Texas Live! in Arlington. (Christine Vo | Fort Worth Report)
“There’s a certain energy you get when you’re not supposed to win. The English, the Spanish, the French — they’re used to being good. We haven’t been this good ever, not ever,” Saenz said. “It’s like, oh, damn, the U.S. is actually good now. … We didn’t show it tonight, but I think we’re going to beat Belgium in the future.”
Arminda and Paulina González said they would continue to represent the Mexico team after the World Cup. For them, the team and the jersey meant more than just soccer; it symbolized connecting with their community and expressing their heritage, the sisters said.
“We all just come as a family together. … We’re all rooting for the same thing. No one is each other’s enemy,” Paulina González said. “Even without the World Cup, we still are always wearing Mexico colors, Mexican jerseys, whatever game it is. If I’m going to another soccer game, I’m always gonna wear my Mexico jersey.”
Rebekah Sears, a Fort Worth resident, leaped off her seat as USA scored its first goal. A lifelong soccer fan, she said she was just happy to have the chance to share that with her community.
Left: California resident Pari Gunasekara, center, chugs a drink after a USA goal during a World Cup game against Belgium on July 6 in Fort Worth. Gunasekara said it’s beautiful how the event brings community together. Right: Fort Worth resident Rebekah Sears said the attention soccer has received is impactful. (Christine Vo | Fort Worth Report)
“I started playing soccer when I was 4 years old, so this was my first love,” Sears said. “Having the tournament on home soil, it’s meant so much to me, and I know it’s meant a lot to a lot of people here as well.”
At Little Woodrow’s, U.S. fans were hit with a wave of despair once Belgium scored its third goal in the 57th minute of that match. Some headed out immediately afterward.
Those who stayed to the bitter end let out a groan at the final whistle, the score 4 to 1. Belgium moved on to the quarterfinals, and U.S. fans filed out of the bar, saying goodbyes to their friends, many still damp from the downpour.
Though Fort Worth resident Ryan Schleder was disappointed, he said that the experience of watching the World Cup with other U.S. fans almost made up for the loss.
“Everyone at this watch party is all rooting for the same team. … It’s not like a Cowboys vs. Eagles (game), where we have Cowboys fans and Eagles fans,” Schleder said. “Everyone’s on the same team; it’s just nice to have camaraderie.”
Armando Lopez throws beer into the air during the World Cup Mexico vs England game July 5 at Texas Live! in Arlington. (Christine Vo | Fort Worth Report)
At Texas Live!, a sea of green and red jerseys made their way toward the exits while a small group of England fans reveled in their victory.
Some Mexico fans shook hands with the England fans, while others stood outside the venue, sobbing and clutching their friends and family. However, many continued yelling “Sí se puede!” and waving Mexican flags, blaring their horns. Arlington resident Marco Aguila, who grew up in Puebla, Mexico, and friend Jorge Altamirano wore matching luchador masks.
Austin resident Kazey Olvera raises a plush Dr. Simi in a Mexico jersey during the World Cup Mexico vs England game July 5 at Texas Live! in Arlington. (Christine Vo | Fort Worth Report)
As the two spoke with the Report, other young Mexico fans passed by, interrupting the two and cussing out England. Aguila and Altamirano told the Mexico fans to settle down and just express pride in their country. “It’s OK, we are content. We are proud of Mexico,” Aguila said.
The two said that despite the loss their support for the team will remain strong until their next World Cup.
“We are happy even though we lost. There isn’t a problem; Mexico played well,” Aguila said. “Mexico is the heart of my soul. … We have a spirit that comes from the very depths of our hearts.”
Bianca Rodriguez-Mora is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at bianca@fortworthreport.org.
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