One last watch party: Inside FIFA Fan Fest with KC’s Mexican community
“Y si sí?”
“What if we do?” the rallying cry behind Mexico’s 2026 FIFA World Cup run, has become “what if we had done it?” following Mexico’s round of 16 match against England on Sunday, July 5.
Although Mexico technically broke the curse of el quinto partido (the fifth game), they once again fell one game short of reaching the final eight teams in the global soccer tournament. They suffered a heartbreaking defeat, losing at Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium) 3-2.
Thousands from all over the Kansas City area ventured out to various locations, like FIFA Fan Fest and the KC Live! Block on a Sunday afternoon to watch El Tri try to do the unthinkable of making the quarterfinals for the first time in 40 years.
The fans, families and friends spending their Sunday night under the clouds were treated to a drama-filled game. It also showcased the depth of Kansas City’s Mexican and greater Hispanic community, one that has been broadcast to the world multiple times throughout the World Cup.
England jerseys were scarce on the grounds of the National World War I Museum & Memorial, sticking out in the sea of green. While the Three Lions’ base camp was in Prairie Village to start the tournament, home field advantage in Kansas City belonged to the Mexicans.
Despite the loss, it was a beautiful thing to see with their own eyes, said friends Richard Villalobos and Ernan Silva. Both live in Wyandotte County, an area where 36% of the county’s population is Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Sunday’s match marked the first time Villalobos and Silva both came to Fan Fest. Silva usually watches the games at home with his dad, although he and Villalobos have checked out the watch parties at the Power & Light District and Sporting Park.
Silva said the night felt like the perfect time to celebrate the enthusiasm everyone’s had for the team that, until now, hadn’t given up a goal.
They both said they weren’t surprised to see the community come together because of the large Hispanic population in the Kansas City area, but that seeing it in person throughout Mexico’s time in the tournament was a highlight they’ll remember for a long time.
“Sharing that same passion with everyone else has been fun,” Silva said.
A community coming together
Silva and Villalobos were two of many fans dressed up in iconic Mexican characters: Silva donned the Nacho Libre outfit, complete with the mask, while Villalobos was El Chapulín Colorado, a not-so-super hero from a beloved Mexican television series.
Villalobos wasn’t the only one dressed up as the comedic character. Luis Sandoval joined him, alongside his wife, Tania, who was dressed as La Chilindrina, a character from Mexican comedy series “El Chavo Del 8.” Both characters were created by Mexican comedian Chespirito.
The married couple were frequently stopped for photos from people inside the festival grounds who grew up watching both shows. It was one way they decided to honor their heritage while also adding to the lively atmosphere before the match kicked off.
The Kansas City residents watched every game at Fan Fest, and didn’t expect to see the grounds in Kansas City as organized as they are.
They loved the passion shared between the fans, especially during Sunday’s game. The crowd booed every time an England player touched the ball, and cheered every time Mexico started their attack on goal.
Even the stunned silence after England’s Jude Bellingham scored two goals in two minutes was a shared experience. That feeling that passes on through one another is similar to what they feel deep in the Hispanic community beyond the games, although less stress-inducing.
“Latinos, Hispanos, everybody — we’re all one community, and we are the best,” Tania Sandoval said. “We get to get together, and we get to be the best of ourselves.
“We can all be together without causing any trouble, and be just one big community.”
It’s a feeling they hope continues immediately now that Mexico’s tournament has come to an end, and one that also continues long after the Fan Fest is taken apart.
