{"id":780831,"date":"2026-07-05T15:35:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-05T15:35:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/780831\/"},"modified":"2026-07-05T15:35:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-05T15:35:11","slug":"world-cup-2026-england-v-mexico-latest-team-news-predictions-weather-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/780831\/","title":{"rendered":"World Cup 2026: England v Mexico latest – team news, predictions & weather update"},"content":{"rendered":"

‘Being a Mexican football fan is not just about the match’published at 16:33 BST<\/p>\n

16:33 BST<\/p>\n

Mexico v England (Mon, 01:00 BST)<\/p>\n

Lourdes Heredia
BBC News<\/p>\n

There has been a lot of talk about Mexican fans in the streets, dancing and chanting. But for many Mexican families, a big match is not just 90 minutes of football – it is an excuse for a fiesta (party).<\/p>\n

Most families will prepare carne asada (grilled beef), which is often marinated the day before using a special family recipe. In my family, for example, we use beer in the marinade.<\/p>\n

Hours before kick-off, the grill will be on and the party will begin with delicious tacos, guacamole, homemade salsas (sauces), chicharrones (crispy pork rinds), papas (potato snacks), and all kinds of botanas (snacks) with plenty of chile and lime.<\/p>\n

The TV may be on in the background, and for some people like me, it is not about the football. It is about being proud that Mexico has reached this stage, especially after the less-than-optimistic predictions at the start of the World Cup.<\/p>\n

Friends, cousins, uncles, neighbours, and anyone who happens to be nearby will be invited over. Everyone will wear green. Even if you do not own the official Mexico shirt, you will find a creative way to show your support.<\/p>\n

Then there are all the lucky rituals. Some fans will wear their lucky jersey \u2014 the one that cannot be washed because Mexico won the last match while they were wearing it.<\/p>\n

Once the game starts, if you were sitting in a particular spot during the last victory, you must sit in exactly the same place again. Moving, of course, could “jinx” the team.<\/p>\n

I do not think my family ever went that far, but when the players start singing the national anthem, someone will often make the sign of the cross towards the television and bless each of the players.<\/p>\n

The most devoted fans will light a veladora (prayer candle) next to the TV. Some families may even create a small altar with the Virgen de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe), their favourite saints and a collection of random lucky objects.<\/p>\n

The celebration can last for hours. The football die-hards will analyse every pass and every decision, while the less-fanatic guests will use the occasion to sing classic mariachi (traditional Mexican music) songs such as El Rey, or favourites by Juan Gabriel. Everyone will sing, dance and celebrate together until the final whistle \u2014 whether Mexico wins or loses. <\/p>\n

Because, in the end, being a Mexican football fan is not just about the match. It is about family, friends, food, music, hope, and the belief that somewhere between a lucky jersey, a prayer candle and a plate of tacos, you might just help your team win.<\/p>\n

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