Mexico City: Passionate About Football, But Wary of the World Cup?
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Mexico City boasts the world's most beautiful stadium and the longest season ticket history in football.
- The city is preparing for the 2026 World Cup, with preparations including significant security measures.
- Despite the love for the game, the article hints at a complex relationship with the World Cup itself, possibly due to past experiences or current realities.
Mexico City is a city that breathes football, home to what is described as the world's most beautiful stadium and a deep-rooted passion for the sport. The city's connection to football is evident in its vibrant green jerseys, ubiquitous in the streets, representing the national team, El Tri.
The city's football heritage is palpable, even in historical echoes. A reconstructed room in a conference center allows visitors to see where football legend Pelรฉ spent his last night before Mexico won its third World Cup in 1970. The room, preserved with original fixtures, stands as a testament to the city's significant role in football history, a detail cherished by Mexicans who love the game.
As Mexico City gears up for the 2026 World Cup, the preparations are substantial, involving an estimated 100,000 police officers. This large security presence suggests a focus on ensuring the event's safety and smooth operation, reflecting the scale of the global tournament.
While the article highlights the profound love for football in Mexico City, the title "They love the game, but not the World Cup" suggests a nuanced perspective. This implies that despite the passion for football itself, there might be underlying complexities or reservations regarding the World Cup event, perhaps stemming from past experiences or current socio-economic factors.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.