World Cup: Why Mexico May Be LA's Favorite Team

Los Angeles is experiencing a vibrant wave of green Mexico jerseys throughout the city during the World Cup, with fans filling watch parties, bars, and cafes, and flocking to the Los Angeles Stadium. This widespread display of support persists even though Mexico has not played any matches in the city during this tournament.

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After Mexico City, Los Angeles is the second largest Mexican city in the world. Soccer is definitely inculcated in the culture here, and you can feel it.

Gary, a Mexico native who moved to Southern California as a child, explained that Los Angeles is effectively the second-largest Mexican city globally. "Soccer is definitely inculcated in the culture here, and you can feel it," he told DW. With over three million Mexicans and Mexican-Americans residing in the LA area, the team serves as a powerful connection to their homeland, shared history, and community identity.

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I love the energy of the Mexican team. And this is my father’s jersey. It's like 30 years old, just as old as I am.

For many, supporting "El Tri" is a deeply ingrained family tradition. Lucy, a Mexico fan, shared that her current jersey is her father's, nearly 30 years old, mirroring her own age. Luis, born and raised in Los Angeles, noted that the passion for Mexico has been passed down through generations. "Everybody around us always supported Mexico. And Mexico gave us a lot more footballing memories than the United States," he said, observing the sea of green jerseys that appears whenever the team plays.

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The passion for Mexico has always been around from my parents, my grandparents, my aunts and cousins. Everybody around us always supported Mexico. And Mexico gave us a lot more footballing memories than the United States.

Despite Los Angeles hosting the US team's initial matches, Mexico's popularity in the city appears to be exceptionally high. Gary recalled a time when the US men's national team hesitated to play in LA, considering it a home game for Mexico. Even Los Angeles-born US striker Haji Wright acknowledges the split allegiances, stating, "It all depends on who you talk to. I have friends who support Mexico and friends who support the US. This country is a cultural melting pot and LA is no different."

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For a while, the US men's national team did not want to play against Mexico in LA because it was a home game for Mexico.