If your sleep schedule hasn’t been completely ruined by the world cup, are you even living right now?
The whole tournament is a massive history-making event as Mexico is the first country to host three different World Cups. The Estadio Azteca is the holy ground and seeing it back on the main stage is incredible.
“Es una locura total,” local fan Cesar Hernández said. “El Azteca tiene una magia que ningún otro estadio puede replicar, verlo brillar le da piel de gallina a cualquiera.”
That feeling of total goosebumps is exactly what is connecting everyone across both countries right now. But this tournament hits a lot deeper than just a standard sports calendar. During times like these, where it feels like the news is constantly heavy and everything is divided, people find the need for moments like this.
For a lot of us living on the border, this World Cup hitting so close to home feels like a celebration of our roots, proving that no matter what side of the line we are on, our shared passion is a bridge that connects us all.
It is about identity, pride and seeing how beautiful it is when the world can come together instead of pulling apart.
Nothing proved that more than Mexico’s intense 1-0 win against South Korea on June 18. Even though the game was a fierce battle on the pitch, the best part was seeing what happened in the stands at the stadium in Mexico City and on social media.
Because of shared history from 2018, when South Korea defeated Germany 2-0 to save Mexico’s tournament run and send them to the knockouts, the love between the two fanbases is absolutely unreal. Seeing the videos of Mexican and Korean fans partying together, hugging in the streets and joining voices.
It is just proof that at the end of the day, a simple game can turn total strangers from opposite sides of the world into family.
So how exactly is El Paso showing up? Short answer: it’s doing the absolute most.
Nobody is watching these games alone. Group chats are blowing up and local restaurants and bars across town have basically been converted into mini stadiums. People are rocking retro Mexico jerseys, planning massive backyard watch parties and blasting playlists where the opposing country’s music blends with classic Mexican tracks.
“We literally brought a whole couch and a TV onto the street just to watch the matches,” UTEP student Emily Davila said.
The hype is still growing because Mexico keeps making history. They didn’t just survive the group stage; Mexico went on to dominate Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32, shutting them down thanks to electric first-half goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. The victory ended Mexico’s 40-year World Cup knockout drought, marking the national team’s first knockout win since defeating Bulgaria in the 1986 tournament, the last time the country hosted the World Cup. It also extended El Tri’s unbeaten streak at Estadio Azteca to 10 World Cup matches. Now, the stakes are even higher as Mexico prepares to face England in the Round of 16, hoping to continue its historic run.
If you are a UTEP student looking to witness history, you definitely don’t want to watch from your couch. The @utepinvolved Instagram page announced they are throwing a massive watch party right on campus for the Sunday match against England. It’s the ultimate spot to come out, wear your green jersey, grab some snacks and scream your heart out with your fellow Miners.
And if you think the energy is crazy right now, just wait until the grand finale since FIFA just confirmed that BTS will co-headline the first ever world cup halftime show alongside Shakira and Madonna.
Whether you are watching with your abuelitos in the living room or screaming your lungs out at a watch party, this World Cup is proof that soccer isn’t just a game, it is a lifestyle.
¡Vamos, El Tri!
Diego Hernandez is a guest contributor for The Prospector and may be reached at [email protected]