Mexico has a deep-rooted love of English football that dates back to 1824, when a group of Cornish miners traveled to the country to revive flooded silver mines and introduced the sport to the nation. This affection is so strong that many Mexican fans will secretly support England if the two teams meet in the World Cup.
Historical Ties and Modern Fandom
The love affair was cemented by the 2001 mockumentary Mike Bassett: England Manager, which became a smash hit in Mexico largely because in the film, Mexico thrashes England 4-0. Fans of CF Pachuca, Mexico's first football club, unfurl a tifo of a pickaxe-wielding miner with a Cornish pastie, and the club serves the beef treats with chili as half-time snacks.
In Cancun, beaches were packed with Mexicans dressed in England's colors, posing for photos with St George's flags and chanting “Viva Ingleterra”. Marisol Campos and Caro Garza waved England flags, saying, “We like Ingleterra - all Mexico does.” Bar worker Maria Herrera added, “Many Mexicans love English football and support their teams - Manchester United, Arsenal, Fulham. I’m not sure who most will want to win - even my father. Me? I like Jude Bellingham. He’s very beautiful.”
Potential Clash and Divided Loyalties
The two nations could meet in a last-16 clash at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, where Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal knocked England out in 1986. Playing at 7,000 feet above sea level in stifling 40°C heat in front of 87,000 fans might seem daunting, but many home fans will be secretly supporting England.
Guide Arturo Cortes explained, “The love affair goes back many years. Mexico only has football because of England. We only have Cornish pies because of England. We are each passionate about both. Then came Mike Bassett. Then Javier Hernandez signed for Manchester United. Now many Mexicans play in England. The bond is deep. Loyalties will be tested if the two teams meet. Some Mexicans may secretly support England because they will have the best chance of winning. We want someone to stop the US.”
World Cup Atmosphere in Cancun
Cancun, visited by 200,000 Brits a year, is the only Mexican city with direct flights to all 16 World Cup host cities. It boasts a fanzone, multiple sports bars, watch parties, and even a Boobs Cruise where revellers donate bikini tops to form a flag on the boat. However, captain Harry Kane should be cautious: according to Mayan tradition, the winning skipper of the ancient ball game pok-ta-pok at the nearby Chichen Itza pyramids would be sacrificed by having his heart cut out while still beating.
