Mexico’s World Cup opener against South Africa turned into a full-blown street party in Tijuana, where more than 5,000 people packed Avenida Revolución—not just to watch a game, but to believe, once again, that this might finally be the year El Tri breaks past the Round of 16.
By 9 a.m., caravans of cars draped in Mexican flags were already streaming into downtown, making their way to the Fut Fest set up in the heart of the city. It felt like a pilgrimage. For a few hours, at least, Tijuana—grappling with violence and daily tensions—pressed pause.
Soccer took over. So did the noise, the color, the release.
The opening ceremony was brief, but charged. Fans sang the Mexican national anthem with the kind of emotion usually reserved for their Independence Day. Flags rippled overhead, jerseys glowed green under the sun, and for a moment, everything felt unified.
Then the ball started rolling.
Mexico came out sharp, and the crowd fed off every crisp pass. The energy didn’t stop at the border. Fans crossed over from Southern California—National City, Chula Vista, even as far as Orange County—to be part of it.
“God, I’ll take just one goal,” said Javier Martínez, originally from Michoacán and now living in National City. He had already told his landscaping clients he wouldn’t be working Thursday.
As it turned out, that was all he needed. Eight minutes in, Mexico struck. A defensive lapse by Sphephelo Sithole, forced by Mexico’s high press, left the ball loose at the edge of the box. Julián Quiñones pounced and fired a powerful right-footed shot into the net. 1–0.
Fans hold a flag aloft on Avenida Revolución during the watch party for Mexico’s match against South Africa in the World Cup on June 11, 2026. (Photo by Alejandro Maciel/Times of San Diego).The roar in Tijuana was instant, overwhelming.
Among the crowd was Martha Almeraz, a commercial real estate sales executive from Orange County, who had driven down with friends from Santa Ana early that morning. “I love Mexico. I love being Mexican,” she said, eyes locked on the giant screen.
The first yellow card of the tournament came in the 16th minute, when Teboho Mokoena got burned by Álvaro Fidalgo and paid the price. Mexico controlled the game from there. South Africa managed little more than a scattered header, while Mexico pushed forward—especially down Israel Reyes’ flank.
Just before halftime, they nearly doubled the lead. Brian Gutiérrez set up Quiñones again, but his shot slammed off the left post.
Back on Avenida Revolución, the now-familiar chant echoed through downtown: olé, olé, olé—each pass fueling the rhythm.
“This is the best I’ve seen them play,” said Javier González, an aerospace engineer originally from Tijuana, now living in Chula Vista. Then, almost on cue, came the doubt: “Same old story, though … they play like never before, and then lose like always.”
History lingers over every Mexico match. The team has only made it past the Round of 16 twice—1970 and 1986, both on home soil. With the tournament now expanded to 48 teams, the path looks a bit more forgiving. Still, nobody’s getting ahead of themselves.
“First, we’ve got to deal with South Korea,” Gerardo Espinoza told his wife Cristina, both wrapped in Mexican flags among the crowd.
The second half brought tension. Mexico eased off, and South Africa—despite being down to ten men after one red card—managed a few dangerous moments. Possession no longer meant control.
The scene on Avenida Revolución during Mexico’s win over South Africa in the World Cup on June 11, 2026. (Photo by Alejandro Maciel/Times of San Diego).“They’re playing well, but I’m not sold,” said Gael Arizábal, beer in hand, suddenly a coach among fans. “Coach Javier Aguirre needs to make changes.”
He did. Luis Chávez and Gilberto Mora came on—and almost immediately made an impact. Roberto Alvarado delivered a pinpoint cross, and Raúl Jiménez met it with a clean header.
Now it was 2–0. Avenida Revolución erupted.
With the lead more comfortable, Mexico rotated in fresh legs: Edson Álvarez, Alexis Vega, Armando González. But there was still late drama.
In the 81st minute, referee Wilton Sampaio went to a video review and sent off another South African player, leaving them with nine. Then, deep into stoppage time, Mexico defender César Montes saw red after a late, heavy challenge as the last man back.
That one didn’t sit well.
“That’s going to hurt us against South Korea,” Martínez warned from the crowd.
Finally, the whistle blew.
People jumped, hugged, waved flags. Avenida Revolución turned into a sea of green, flowing toward Zona Río, where the celebration stretched into the afternoon and beyond.
Because on the border, soccer isn’t just watched—it’s lived, carried across, and shared.
Generations of fans came out to support Mexico at a Mission Beach watch party for the 2026 World Cup, June 11, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)Fans, many of them wearing gear to support Mexico, line up near the beach for a watch party as the 2026 World Cup opened on June 11, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)A man holds South Africa’s flag, while another man with the Mexican flag painted on his chest stands behind him at the 2026 World Cup watch party at Belmont Park on June 11, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)When your team is winning, why not dance? A boy does just that at a 2026 World Cup Belmont Park watch party, June 11, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)2026 World Cup, June 11, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)Fans in line outside the stage area at FIT Social for the 2026 World Cup watch party on June 11, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)Hence then, the article about fans live carry share futbol in mexico they rallied around their team s world cup win in a borderland celebration was published today ( ) and is available on Times of San Diego ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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