In a compelling display of national pride and unwavering enthusiasm for football, Monterrey, Mexico, has emerged as a standout host city for the World Cup. Despite the Mexican national team, affectionately known as El Tri, not competing within its borders, the city's inhabitants have transformed Estadio BBVA into a cauldron of vibrant green, symbolizing their fervent support. This collective devotion, characterized by unique and spirited chants, has not only created an unforgettable atmosphere for spectators but has also garnered significant admiration from participating international teams, underscoring Monterrey's profound connection to the sport and its world-class sporting infrastructure.
Monterrey's Stadium Ignites World Cup Spirit Amidst Local Team's Absence
In the vibrant city of Monterrey, located in the state of Nuevo León, a unique football phenomenon unfolded during the recent World Cup. Despite being a designated host city, Monterrey did not feature matches involving Mexico's national team, El Tri. However, this absence did not dampen the spirits of local fans. On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, spectators like Manuel Pérez, a Monterrey resident, gathered at Estadio BBVA to witness the thrilling round of 32 clash between the Netherlands and Morocco. Pérez noted, “It’s a good deal for the country and also for the city. We are all together in this special moment.”
Regardless of the competing nations, the Mexican fans took charge of the stadium's atmosphere. Sebastian Roa, a fan who journeyed from Guadalajara, emphasized, “It’s part of a culture, and we support each and every team that comes here.” Throughout the Netherlands-Morocco game, echoes of “no era penal” (it wasn't a penalty) and “Mexico” reverberated through the stands. This chant, born from Mexico’s 2014 World Cup round of 16 encounter against the Netherlands, serves as a poignant reminder of a contentious penalty decision that led to Mexico’s elimination. On the 12th anniversary of that fateful match, Mexican supporters vividly expressed their lingering sentiments against the Oranje.
The passion exhibited by Monterrey's fans has resonated deeply with visiting teams. Mohamed Ouahbi, the head coach of Morocco, expressed his profound appreciation: “I’ve always said that the 1986 (World Cup in Mexico) made me fall in love with the sport. I want to say that hopefully at the next World Cup — when it’s played in Morocco — I think (the Moroccan people) want to have Mexican fans and make them feel at home.” With Morocco set to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, this sentiment highlights the impactful role of Mexican fan culture. Beyond the round of 32, Monterrey successfully hosted five teams across three group stage games, including Sweden, Tunisia, Japan, South Korea, and South Africa. Even when specific fan groups were smaller, the ubiquitous presence of Mexican green in the crowd was a constant. Roa passionately declared, “We love watching every game. Even if it’s (other teams) like Cabo Verde or Uzbekistan, you’re gonna see us.”
In stark contrast to some venues, such as Guadalajara, where empty seats were noted during South Korea’s opening day victory against the Czech Republic, Estadio BBVA experienced near-capacity crowds, with three out of its four matches drawing 51,243 fans. Roa explained his choice to attend a game in Monterrey, stating, “I didn’t go to (a game in Guadalajara) because the prices were crazy high. But I managed to get a ticket here.” Mexico has the distinction of being the first nation to host three World Cups (1970, 1986, and 2026), making this recent tournament a first-time in-person experience for many locals. Alejandro Cuellar, who attended the Sweden vs. Tunisia match with his brother, remarked, “It’s a special moment to come to the World Cup and enjoy the match. We don’t know when it’s going to be here again.” Monterrey’s appetite for international football extends beyond the World Cup, as demonstrated by Estadio BBVA’s impressive attendance of over 49,000 spectators for the inter-confederation playoff between Iraq and Bolivia. Constructed in 2015, Estadio BBVA is celebrated as one of Mexico’s most modern sporting arenas. Its northwest section offers a breathtaking view of “El Cerro de la Silla,” a significant local landmark that attracts global visitors. Pérez proudly stated, “We already know the type of stadium that we have. It’s so beautiful to know that many people are (starting to know) this big stadium worldwide.” While Estadio BBVA regularly hosts Liga MX games for the Rayados, the World Cup atmosphere is described as an entirely different experience. Roa summarized, “It’s another whole new level because here you have international people. It’s pretty exciting for all of us Mexicans, because we breathe soccer and we love partying. So it’s two things combined that we just love.”
This World Cup experience in Monterrey underscores the profound cultural impact of football in Mexico. The city's ability to host such a significant international event, irrespective of its national team's direct participation, highlights a deep-seated passion for the sport and a remarkable capacity for hospitality. The fervent engagement of the local fans, the enthusiastic embrace of diverse international teams, and the state-of-the-art facilities of Estadio BBVA all contribute to Monterrey's growing reputation as a global football hub. This also serves as a powerful reminder of how sport can unite people, transcend national boundaries, and create shared moments of joy and camaraderie.
