El Tri fans in Dallas erupt as Mexico wins World Cup opener over South Africa

Mexican fans in Dallas rang in the start of the 2026 World Cup with explosive, jubilant and deeply emotional celebrations.

Surrounded by ice‑cold buckets of beer, guacamole the same bright green as the Mexican national team’s jersey, and carne asada tacos giving off a homemade aroma, El Tri supporters reveled in their team’s 2–0 victory over South Africa.

Mexico fans celebrate following their team’s win against South Africa in the opening game of FIFA World Cup soccer during FIFA Fan Fest at Fair Park on Thursday, June 11, 2026 in Dallas. (Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News)

The World Cup’s opening match was played in Mexico City, but inside the Ojos Locos sports bar in Dallas, it felt as if the tournament had arrived in North Texas. The venue became a sanctuary where Mexican fans could unleash the passion and devotion they carry for their national team.

“Soccer is the only thing that lets us focus on a common goal: seeing Mexico win,” said Jaime Castro, who showed up wearing a soccer ball as a hat and a green jersey with pride.

“The national team unites all Mexicans. For two hours it makes us forget our problems — economic, political, social. For two hours, the national team becomes the most important thing in our lives,” said the 52‑year‑old Dallas resident.

Castro arrived before the bar opened at 11 a.m.

Within just 30 minutes of the doors opening, the place had reached its maximum capacity of 275 people. The game started at 2 p.m.

Mexico soccer fans, including Chris Escalera (left) and Johanna Moreno (center) celebrate Julián Quiñones opening goal against South Africa during the opening FIFA World Cup game. The watch party was held at Ojos Locos in Dallas, June 11, 2026. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)

“I called in sick and didn’t go to work today. I couldn’t miss this moment,” said José Ávila, 40, who works in construction.

Ávila showed up dressed as El Chavo, the beloved Mexican TV character — the orphaned boy who lived inside a barrel and captured the hearts of viewers across the continent in the 1970s and 80s.

He wore the character’s iconic plaid cap with the brim flipped up, khaki pants that stopped above his ankles, a single red suspender and a Mexican flag painted on each cheek.

“El Chavo represents Mexico all over the world. That’s why I came dressed like this,” he said.

Ojos Locos erupted in the 9th minute, when Julián Quiñones scored Mexico’s first goal.

The Spanish‑language announcer’s prolonged “Goooooal!” was immediately swallowed by a thunderous, heartfelt chant of “México… México… México!” that made the restaurant tremble.

Castro punctuated the moment by firing a train horn he had mounted on an air gun — an ear‑splitting blast that sent adrenaline surging through the crowd.

At one table, Alejandra Chaparro wiped away tears. Not just because of the goal, but because her son had just surprised her with a trip to Mexico City to watch the national team face Czechia in the third match of the group stage.

“It’s something I promised my mom 16 years ago, and today I was finally able to make it happen,” said her son, Javier Solís.

Back in the 2010 World Cup, Mexico also opened against South Africa. Javier was 8 then, and after watching his mother’s passion for the team, he promised he would one day take her to see Mexico play in person. On Thursday, he fulfilled that promise.

“I wasn’t expecting this. The national team is something very special for me and for my whole family. It’s something that unites us and gives us strength to keep going,” said the 42‑year‑old esthetician.

As more than 30 screens flickered with the action, the rush of food and drinks never let up. Beers, margaritas, tequila shots, Mexican plates, wings and burgers — servers weaved through the crowd at full speed, just as the room exploded again when Raúl Jiménez struck Mexico’s second goal in the 66th minute.

Mexico soccer fans sitting at the Ojos Locos bar celebrate Raúl Jiménez (on screen) second goal against South Africa during the opening FIFA World Cup game. The watch party was held in Dallas, June 11, 2026. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)

“I’m going to spend more than 500 dollars here today, just by myself,” Castro said.

Then, he raised his glass as the chants of “México” faded into a warm buzz that wrapped the room like a blanket.

The bar smelled of lime, carne asada and nostalgia — the kind that pulls people back to childhood living rooms, family gatherings and long‑ago World Cups.

“Mexico is worth that, and much more,” he said. And as the crowd swayed together, it was clear he wasn’t talking about money. He was talking about identity, memory and the unbreakable thread that ties a people to their team.

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