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Mexico City's football pitch inside an ancient volcano crater

From Proceso Digital · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Residents of southern Mexico City have maintained a football pitch within an extinct volcano crater for over 70 years.
  • The community uses the space, known as El Teoca, for local matches and has rejected development proposals to protect its natural state.
  • The unique location is gaining attention ahead of the 2026 World Cup, attracting promotional activities and visitors interested in its history and community organization.

In the southern reaches of Mexico City, a unique football pitch thrives within the crater of an extinct volcano, a testament to over seven decades of community dedication. Known locally as El Teoca, this natural depression at an altitude of over 2,600 meters has been preserved by residents who gather there every Sunday for matches between teams from various Xochimilco villages and neighborhoods.

The hill is communal, the hill belongs to the people, and we are fine like this. We want to organize a tournament, and it's independent; we don't ask anyone for permission.

— Joel BecerrilExplaining the community's self-governance and ownership of the football pitch within the volcano crater.

The history of El Teoca is deeply rooted in community organization. Over 70 years ago, villagers transformed a cornfield into a pitch, using local tree trunks for goalposts. This strong sense of ownership has led the community to reject proposals that could compromise their control or the natural environment, including a recent plan for lighting. They prioritize protecting the crater's fauna, which includes rabbits, squirrels, and armadillos.

"The hill is communal, the hill belongs to the people, and we are fine like this. We want to organize a tournament, and it's independent; we don't ask anyone for permission," Joel Becerril, one of the league representatives, told EFE. This self-governance ensures the pitch remains a space for the community, by the community.

We try to conserve it, so the fauna doesn't leave.

— Joel BecerrilHighlighting the community's efforts to protect the wildlife within the crater.

The distinctive combination of landscape, history, and community spirit has drawn attention as Mexico prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup. The site has hosted promotional events, including activities with players of Mesoamerican ballgame, a sport with over 3,000 years of history. Visitors, like Jorge Torres, an instructor of the ballgame, express surprise and admiration for the community's efforts to keep the pitch and its surrounding environment alive, highlighting the growing interest in this extraordinary location.

I didn't know a league really existed here. I'm surprised people still follow it, that people visit it, and that there's a community keeping it alive.

— Jorge TorresExpressing surprise upon visiting El Teoca for the first time.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Proceso Digital in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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