Mexico’s World Cup Run Brings Joy and Relief to Southern California Community

The packed bistro in Santa Ana erupts as fans wave Mexican flags and belt out Cielito Lindo. England had just eliminated Mexico 3-2 in the round of 16 at the Azteca Stadium, but the mood here is far from defeat. For this community, the World Cup has been a triumph of spirit. “This is sad,” says Louie Leyla, a Mexican-American who has lived in California since 1990. “But we’re going to keep rooting for our people, no matter what.” The tournament has united supporters across Southern California, home to one of the largest Mexican communities outside Mexico. Alicia Rojas calls the loss bittersweet: “It’s a loss, but it’s a win for our community in Santa Ana.” Nearby, Cynthia Rebolledo points to her son dressed in Mexico colors. “He keeps asking if we’re still going to the parade,” she laughs. This World Cup became about more than football. Just a year ago, ICE immigration raids had emptied streets and shuttered businesses in the same neighborhoods. National Guard vehicles patrolled blocks near downtown Santa Ana. Families stayed indoors. “What a difference a year makes,” says Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arellano, standing in the lively bistro. “These streets were completely dead last June. Now this is catharsis – for Mexicans especially, but for Latinos in general.” Leigh Slater, another fan, sums it up: “Football is like life. You lose, you win. But what we’ve seen throughout this World Cup is the unbreakable spirit of immigrants in this country.” Mexico’s run as a host nation gave fans a rare chance to celebrate an identity that had been associated with anxiety. Arellano recalls how Mexican flags were once seen as unpatriotic. “The expression of these fan bases has gotten bigger as America has gotten more diverse,” he says. Even in defeat, the pride remains. “We never give up,” Arellano adds. “England was just a superior team.”