MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s World Cup run has turned a short Spanish question, “¿Y si sí?”, into a national chant. The phrase asks, in effect, what if Mexico can win, and it has captured the mood around a team that remains unbeaten and has not conceded a goal.
Mexico can reach the quarterfinals by beating England, a stage the national team has not reached in 40 years. Its best World Cup finishes came in 1970 and 1986, both times on home soil.
Mexico Lean On Estadio Azteca And Home Support
The match against England puts Mexico back in a familiar setting, with Estadio Azteca and Mexico City’s altitude of more than 2,200 meters part of the backdrop. England also has had to account for the noise around the host team, with the location of its base hotel kept quiet after Mexican supporters serenaded Ecuador before their match.
Mexican fans have been celebrating since the opening victory over South Africa. David Cávita, 26, said the scenes of supporters being tossed into the air by crowds are real, not staged, while Esteban Bautista, 21, called the atmosphere unlike anything he had experienced.
Young Mexico Team Gives Fans A New Belief
Elián González, a 22-year-old nursing student from outside the capital, said Mexico has already changed the mood around the team. She pointed to the number of young players as a reason supporters believe this run can go further.
Carlos Cruz, 54, who founded a nonprofit that works with teenagers and is now a city official, said the response has been especially strong among young people looking for something to share. Mexico’s squad includes 17-year-old Gilberto Mora and Julián Quiñones, a naturalized Mexican citizen from a Colombian region associated with poverty and drug violence.
Areli Navarrete, a teenager who recently became interested in football, said Mora has given supporters hope that Mexicans can achieve more than expected. Omar Gutiérrez, 46, a market analyst who played in youth systems with Mexican teams, said the side has played with passion at a moment when fans are eager for something to celebrate.
Mexico City Prepares For More Crowds
Public safety is also part of the build-up. After deaths were reported when more than a million people went into the streets following Mexico’s win over Ecuador, Mexico City has promised additional security measures and a cap on attendance around the Angel of Independence.
Joshua Zayas, 19, still plans to go. He said he expects fans to bring foam, jump, dance and release stress after finishing the university semester, while hoping Mexico advances against England.