Mexico’s national soccer team has reached the World Cup’s round of 16, sparking massive celebrations across Mexico City following a 2-0 victory over Ecuador. The team’s success has fueled a nationwide cultural movement centered on the phrase “¿Y si sí?” (“What if we do?”), which fans use to express hope for exceeding expectations.
How did the “¿Y si sí?” movement start?
The phrase originated during a news conference ahead of the Liga MX playoffs. Efraín Juárez, then the coach of Pumas, used the question “What if they do? What if the Pumas do become champions?” when asked about the possibility of his team ending a long title drought. The response went viral on social media and was adopted by the national team’s supporters.
The sentiment has moved from digital spaces to physical stadiums and apparel. Veteran Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa shared a photo wearing a cowboy hat featuring the inscription, while over 80,000 fans chanted the phrase at Azteca Stadium during the win against Ecuador.
Why is this World Cup run impacting Mexican society?
The current athletic success is serving as a “pressure valve” for a country facing deep political and social divisions. According to content creator Jesús Roberto Ramírez, the euphoria provides a necessary breather for citizens in a polarized environment where political preferences often hinder neighborly interactions.
The shift in mood is stark compared to the start of the tournament. Last month, Mexico City streets were filled with protesters from teachers’ unions and relatives of kidnapping victims. Fans were initially skeptical following the team’s poor performance four years prior, which was its worst World Cup performance since 1978. Reporter Adriana Valasis of N+ noted that the team’s progress has helped break down marked inequalities by providing a rare, unifying outlet for the public.
What are the security plans for the match against England?
Mexican authorities have implemented strict crowd control measures for the upcoming knockout match against England in Mexico City. These precautions follow a celebration on Tuesday where four people died as more than 1 million fans gathered near the Ángel de la Independencia statue.
- Capacity Limits: Authorities will limit gatherings to 25,000 people near the Ángel de la Independencia statue.
- Overflow Areas: Crowds will be redirected to 49 alternative locations along Paseo de la Reforma and throughout the city.
- Kickoff Time: The game remains scheduled for 7 p.m. local time. FIFA considered moving the match to the daytime for safety, but both the England and Mexico teams opposed the change.
How has fan behavior changed during this tournament?
A new tradition has emerged among supporters: tossing individuals into the air, mirroring the team’s own post-game celebrations. This behavior was notably seen after the team tossed Guillermo Ochoa in the air following a victory over Czechia on June 24. Ramírez describes this as a desire among new generations to “fly” amidst the collective joy.
| Event/Game | Estimated Crowd Size | Result |
|---|---|---|
| First Game (vs. South Africa) | 400,000+ | Win |
| Subsequent Group Games | 800,000+ | Wins |
| Win vs. Ecuador | 1,000,000+ | 2-0 Win |
Mexico now looks toward the Sunday match against England. A victory would match the historical achievements of 1970 and 1986, when the team reached the quarterfinals while playing as the World Cup host.