Mexico fans celebrate World Cup opening win despite heavy rain

A 'sea of green' of hundreds of fans flooded the streets of Mexico City on Thursday to celebrate their national team's 2-0 victory against South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. An intense rain threatened to dampen the celebration, but spirits remained high.

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It's something you don't expect to happen. And being able to share this feeling with everyone is very special. The truth is, we are very passionate, and I think football unites us all as a nation in one way or another.

The iconic Angel of Independence on Paseo de la Reforma became the focal point for many Mexicans who took to the streets after the team secured its first three points in the World Cup. This victory was doubly significant as Mexico broke a seven-game winless streak in opening matches.

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We always live with the illusion of reaching the fifth game. And I think this year is the year, and it will be our first World Cup.

"Yes, we could, yes, we could" was the most heard chant amidst the euphoria. The celebration continued despite the heavy rain, a common occurrence during the storm season in the capital. Álvaro Maldonado, 27, wearing the national team's green jersey, shared his joy, "It's something you don't expect to happen. And being able to share this feeling with everyone is very special. The truth is, we are very passionate, and I think football unites us all as a nation in one way or another." He added that he couldn't be happier that the World Cup is being held in their country.

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are very cheerful and "nothing stops us" from celebrating in the street. Not even the rain stops us... Mexicans are very cheerful and give everything for our country.

Green and red smoke, the colors of the national flag, filled the air with music and chants from fans of all ages. They are hopeful about the performance of Javier Aguirre's team. "We always live with the illusion of reaching the fifth game. And I think this year is the year, and it will be our first World Cup," Maldonado stated. This optimism is echoed by María Concepción Hernández, who told EFE that Mexico City residents "are very cheerful" and "nothing stops us" from celebrating in the street. "Not even the rain stops us... Mexicans are very cheerful and give everything for our country," she affirmed. Hernández also highlighted the "humble" character of Mexicans and believes the team is improving and could even win the cup.

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The humble character of Mexicans and believes the team is improving and could even win the cup.