CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 World Cup fever is building across Corpus Christi, and all it takes is a soccer ball to bring out the love for the game.<\/p>\n
With less than two weeks until FIFA World Cup 2026, the excitement is already being felt across South Texas \u2014 even for those who won’t be able to attend matches in person.<\/p>\n
I took a soccer ball to the streets to see who’s ready, and fans were quick to show off their skills and their team loyalty.<\/p>\n
When asked the ultimate soccer debate \u2014 Messi or Ronaldo \u2014 answers came fast.<\/p>\n
“Ronaldo,” said one community member. <\/p>\n
“Messi,” said another. <\/p>\n
“Messi,” said one man. <\/p>\n
World Cup fever hits Corpus Christi streets ahead of FIFA 2026<\/p>\n
“Messi. I guess I’ll go Ronaldo; we are opposites,” said a woman. <\/p>\n
“We gotta go Messi, Messi yeah, I have his jersey.”<\/p>\n
And when it came to picking a team to root for, South Texas fans made their allegiances clear.<\/p>\n
“USA of course! Nobody else but America’s team.”<\/p>\n
“I was born in England so that’s my national team, but I love the US so.”<\/p>\n
“Mexico.”<\/p>\n
“I’m going for Mexico. Mexico all the way! Yo soy de Piedras Negras, I’m all for Mexico.”<\/p>\n
For many, the World Cup is already here \u2014 in the streets, the parks, and in every person who grew up with the sport.<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
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