From humor to football passion: Guatemalans find ways to experience the 2026 World Cup off the field

Even though Guatemala's national team will not compete in the 2026 World Cup, Guatemalans are finding vibrant ways to participate in the global football fervor. Their engagement is marked by a unique blend of humor, a strong affinity for foreign teams, and a focus on the social aspects of the tournament, all while navigating their team's absence from the field.

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Guatemala is living the World Cup from outside the competition, but from inside the conversation.

A study by the platform Goo reveals that thousands of Guatemalans are actively involved in social media discussions about the World Cup. This participation, equivalent to 16% of the analyzed global conversation, highlights that Guatemalans are "watching from the outside, but from the inside of the conversation." The absence of the "Bicolor" (the national team) becomes a recurring theme, often addressed with humor, criticism, and a sense of identity, demonstrating a persistent connection to the sport.

Humor, particularly through memes about qualification and national football, is a significant sub-theme. Approximately 29.1% of Guatemala-related mentions are tied to jokes and ironic commentary on missed opportunities and repeated absences from the World Cup. This humor serves as a crucial outlet, allowing fans to integrate into the broader conversation and express their passion despite their team's non-participation.

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The absence of the National Team becomes a recurring topic that combines humor, criticism, identity, and active participation in the tournament.

Beyond the digital realm, the World Cup is experienced as a social occasion. The study found that 25.4% of mentions related to Guatemala focus on local consumption tied to the tournament. Discussions revolve around where to watch games, family gatherings, commercial promotions, and dining experiences. Food and beverages consumed during matches even lead these mentions, accounting for 26.8%. This underscores how the World Cup transcends sport, becoming an occasion for social bonding and shared experiences, allowing fans to feel part of the tournament's atmosphere.

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I am prepared to live the Cup, and for that I have already organized how we will watch it as a family.