If your sleep schedule\u00a0hasn\u2019t\u00a0been completely ruined by the world cup, are you even living right now?\u00a0<\/p>\n
The\u00a0whole tournament is a massive history-making event\u00a0as\u00a0Mexico is the first country to host three different\u00a0World\u00a0Cups. The\u00a0Estadio\u00a0Azteca is\u00a0the\u00a0holy ground\u00a0and seeing it back on the main stage is incredible.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEs una locura total,\u201d local fan Cesar\u00a0Hern\u00e1ndez\u00a0said. \u201cEl Azteca tiene una magia que\u00a0ning\u00fan\u00a0otro estadio puede replicar, verlo brillar le da piel de gallina a cualquiera.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
That feeling of total goosebumps is exactly\u00a0what is\u00a0connecting everyone\u00a0across both countries\u00a0right now. But\u00a0this\u00a0tournament hits a lot deeper than just a standard sports calendar.\u00a0During times like\u00a0these, where it feels like the news is constantly heavy and everything is divided,\u00a0people find the\u00a0need\u00a0for\u00a0moments like\u00a0this.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
For a lot of us living on the border, this World Cup hitting so close to home feels\u00a0like a\u00a0celebration of our roots, proving that no matter what side of the line we\u00a0are on, our shared passion is a bridge that connects us\u00a0all.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
It\u00a0is\u00a0about identity,\u00a0pride\u00a0and seeing how beautiful it is when the world\u00a0can\u00a0come together instead of pulling apart.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Nothing proved that more than\u00a0Mexico\u2019s\u00a0intense 1-0 win against South Korea\u00a0on\u00a0June\u00a018. Even though the game was a fierce battle on the pitch, the best part was seeing what happened in the stands\u00a0at the stadium in Mexico City\u00a0and\u00a0on\u00a0social media.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Because of shared history from 2018, when\u00a0South Korea defeated Germany 2-0 to save\u00a0Mexico\u2019s\u00a0tournament run and send them to the knockouts, the love between the two fanbases is\u00a0absolutely\u00a0unreal.\u00a0Seeing the\u00a0videos of Mexican and Korean fans partying together, hugging in the\u00a0streets\u00a0and joining voices.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It\u00a0is\u00a0just proof that at the end of the day, a simple game can turn total strangers from opposite sides of the\u00a0world\u00a0into\u00a0family.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
So how exactly is El Paso showing up? Short answer:\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0doing the absolute most.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u2019s music blends with classic Mexican tracks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u00a0literally brought\u00a0a whole couch and a TV onto the street just to watch the matches,\u201d\u00a0UTEP student\u00a0Emily Davila said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The hype is still growing because Mexico keeps making history. They didn\u2019t 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 Juli\u00e1n Qui\u00f1ones and Ra\u00fal Jim\u00e9nez. The victory ended Mexico\u2019s 40-year World Cup knockout drought, marking the national team\u2019s first knockout win since defeating Bulgaria in the 1986 tournament, the last time the country hosted the World Cup. It also extended El Tri\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
If you are a UTEP student looking to witness history, you definitely don\u2019t 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\u2019s the ultimate spot to come out, wear your green jersey, grab some snacks and scream your heart out with your fellow Miners.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Whether you\u00a0are\u00a0watching with your\u00a0abuelitos\u00a0in the living room\u00a0or screaming your lungs out at a watch party, this\u00a0World\u00a0Cup is proof that soccer\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0just a game, it\u00a0is\u00a0a lifestyle.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a1Vamos, El Tri!\u00a0<\/p>\n