With chants of ‘Viva Mexico!’ LA’s Coliseum comes to life for World Cup Fan Festival

“Viva Mexico!”

That was the chant in the waves of green, white and red jerseys at the sold-out Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Thursday, where thousands gathered to watch giant monitors showing a broadcast of Mexico vs. South Africa on Opening Day of the World Cup.

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While the game itself was taking place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, L.A.’s Coliseum was filled with enthusiasm.

It was also opening day for the FIFA Fan Festival in Los Angeles, ushering in hubs where fans can watch not just the first World Cup game but games going forward all week long.

“It’s cool to just be around people that are into the same things that you are, you know?” said Ulises Hernandez, who came with his friend Robert to cheer on team Mexico, although Robert said he was nervous for the team going into the game.

“We got a lot of support. It feels like we’re in Mexico. It’s a green sea right now,” Hernandez said.

• Also see: Boom or bust: Everything you need to know about US team before men’s World Cup

For four days, the historic Coliseum will transform into the largest public FIFA World Cup celebration in Los Angeles, with FIFA officials touting the hub’s ability to bring together fans from across the region and around the world.

Before the game in Mexico started, the Coliseum’s field was open for fans to gather in front of a stage that saw a mariachi performance from Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles.

There were also many booths on the field and near entrances at the stadium with many bars dotted around the venue, food and various soccer mini-games like goal keeping and balance boards.

East L.A. rock group Los Lobos also performed to a packed field anticipating the game with beers and Mexico flags.

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A majority of fans wore team Mexico jerseys, wrapping themselves in the Mexico flag and cheered when team Mexico was on the giant screen.

Alejandra Cortez said this is the first World Cup she, and many others, have experienced in LA, and was excited to have a good time with friends for the hopes of Mexico winning.

“I’m used to coming to USC games,” Cortez said. “So it’s exciting to have it here with FIFA and the World Cup.”

• Also see: Southern California World Cup fans: You don’t need a pricey ticket to bask in all the hoopla 

The historic nature of did not pass by the fans – who hailed even the fan fest a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As the game started at noon, the stands and the field were packed with fans to watch the game in a stadium-filled watch party. Screens across the Coliseum displayed the World Cup.

Rolling chants for team Mexico. Cheers when the team was in possession. Jeers for their opponents.

Just 10 minutes into the match: “GOAL!”

Fans erupted into celebratory cheers as team Mexico scored the first goal in the 2026 World Cup.

The field, filled to the legal limit,according to the fire department, had fans jumping with joy as chants broke out: “Mexico! Mexico! Mexico!”

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Adam Young is a correspondent with the Southern California News Group.