In a perfect world, Marlon Olvera might have been in the stands in Mexico City, cheering for his beloved team in the first game of the World Cup.
On Thursday, he instead watched Mexico take on South Africa from a grassy spot at the FIFA Fan Fest at Dallas’ Fair Park. Surrounded by buoyant fans and massive screens, Olvera had no complaints.
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“I love Mexico,” said the 25-year-old old from Fort Worth, draped in a red and green Mexican flag. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, no matter where I’m watching.”
Exuberant fans packed the first day of the Fan Fest to cheer for Mexico, kick off the tournament and soak up some World Cup fever. North Texas is set to host nine games. The first, Netherlands versus Japan, is Sunday at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.
While those tickets can cost hundreds of dollars, fans catch a game for free at the Fan Fest, which runs daily through July 19.
Fans waved Mexico flags, whooped and embraced after Mexico won 2-0. Some played a matraca, the traditional Mexican percussion instrument. One wore a Luchador wrestling mask, and another hoisted a replica of a World Cup trophy.
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Roxana Santillan, 25, who is originally from Mexico and now lives in South Dallas, grew up supporting her native country’s soccer team. After sweeping mass deportations have shaken relations with Mexico, Santillan said she felt joyful celebrating with her fellow fans.
“I feel at home here,” she said. “I feel proud of my team.”
Other fans said the World Cup offered a much needed, if relatively brief, opportunity for countries to unite in their love of the game.
Wearing a Mexico jersey, Marisol Herrera said this year’s tournament feels particularly poignant, in part because of the state of world politics and wars. Two teams in the World Cup, the U.S. and Iran, are at war with one another.
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“We need the World Cup right now,” said Herrera, 29, who lives in Dallas.
Ray Filigrana, 34, was one of the few fans not decked out in Mexican gear. Filigrana, who cheers for his native Colombia, attended the Fan Fest simply to celebrate the World Cup. His own team plays June 17.
“I just wanted to experience the vibes in person,” he said. “In Colombia, soccer is all we do. Everyone plays.”
Olvera, who is from Fort Worth, said he plans to return to Fan Fest to watch Mexico’s matches with friends Luis Solis, 34, and Mario Sandoval, 29. The group might catch games at other spots around North Texas as well.
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“The World Cup is all over DFW,” Sandoval said. “It’s everywhere.”
Solis waved a Mexico flag and grinned. “Viva Mexico,” he said.
Related: Democrat James Talarico turns to fútbol, seizes on World Cup fever as he courts Latinos
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