As Mexico’s national soccer team plays key matches in the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, an unexpected force is shaping attendance—not poor form or rising ticket prices, but fear. A growing number of Mexican American fans are staying home, not out of protest, but concern for their safety amid intensified immigration enforcement.
A dip in attendance with deeper meaning
When Mexico’s national team takes the field in Los Angeles, it usually feels like a homecoming. Fans pack stadiums to recreate a slice of Mexico, complete with flags, chants, and community. But that vibrant spirit took a sharp hit on June 14 during a Gold Cup group-stage match against the Dominican Republic at SoFi Stadium.
Despite Mexico securing a 3-2 win, the stands told a different story: attendance dropped to 54,309—nearly 10,000 fewer than the average for Mexico games at SoFi over the past year. Tickets that once averaged $75 were going for as little as $30 on resale sites. According to longtime fans, the electric atmosphere typical of El Tri games was noticeably dimmed.
“We fill every single stadium because we want to feel closer to Mexico,” said Paco Rubén, founder of supporters’ group Cielito Lindo. “But this time, it didn’t feel like our place was on the field. Most of our members were either at protests or staying home, afraid.”
Solidarity, safety, and the cost of absence
For Rubén and his group, the decision not to attend wasn’t about soccer—it was about survival and support. In light of increased federal immigration raids across Los Angeles, many fans with mixed-status families feared for their safety. Cielito Lindo, along with other major supporters’ groups Pancho Villa’s Army and Patrones de México, canceled not only their attendance but the traditional pregame tailgates.
“Being outside of Mexico, it’s already hard enough. Game day is when we feel most Mexican,” said Livette Ruvalcaba, Cielito Lindo’s co-coordinator. “But this time, our soccer heart wanted to be there—and we couldn’t.”
The absence wasn’t symbolic. These are deeply dedicated fans who plan life around the national team’s schedule. Rubén, for example, avoids social events that conflict with games. “My friends know I’m not lying when I say, ‘I can’t go to your wedding—Mexico’s playing,’” he said.
The chilling effect of enforcement
Fears were stoked not just by previous ICE raids, but by ominous government messaging. In the days leading up to the game, U.S. Customs and Border Protection posted—and later deleted—a message saying it would be “suited and booted” for the FIFA Club World Cup, which began the same day.
Even though authorities later clarified that there was no special immigration enforcement effort planned at SoFi, the damage had been done. Rumors spread quickly through immigrant communities, especially after news emerged that federal agents had appeared near Dodger Stadium the same week. “We have really close friends that were supposed to be in Vegas with us,” Rubén said of upcoming Gold Cup matches. “Now they’re saying, ‘I can’t even leave my house right now.’”
A coach’s silence speaks volumes
The growing unease was compounded by the national team’s lack of response—particularly from coach Javier Aguirre. Asked about the climate facing many of his supporters, Aguirre responded bluntly: “I’m not a spokesperson for Mexicans. I’m the coach of the Mexican national team.”
For groups like Cielito Lindo, that dismissal stung. “His words were literally what triggered us to make the final decision not to go,” said Ruvalcaba. “We weren’t asking for much—just empathy.”Aguirre’s comments following the game were more measured but still fell short. “The best way to support them is with effort, with pride, and representing them on the field,” he said. But for many, it was too late.
From sold-out crowds to quiet stadiums
The numbers back up the emotional toll. In July 2023, Cielito Lindo sold 800 tickets for Mexico’s Gold Cup final against Panama—two full stadium sections. By March of this year, amid early signs of immigration crackdowns, they sold just 50. “People were already afraid. One family that normally buys 50 tickets only bought 11,” Rubén recalled. “They told me, ‘Only the documented ones can go this time.’”
That same anxiety now casts a shadow over the 2026 World Cup. With Mexico co-hosting the tournament alongside the U.S. and Canada, fan attendance is expected to be a celebration of North American unity. But if fears of enforcement persist, that celebration may ring hollow.
Looking ahead with hope—and caution
As Mexico advances through the Gold Cup and prepares for a packed pre-World Cup schedule, one of its most dedicated fanbases is at a crossroads. For now, Cielito Lindo has canceled its attendance at all remaining matches, including in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Texas.
“We already had hotel and flight reservations,” said Rubén. “But it just wouldn’t feel right going without the people we care about. If they don’t feel safe, we don’t feel complete.”Still, there is hope. “We hope this is something short-lived, and we can move on to celebrate,” said Rafael Baqueiro of fan channel Sigo al Tri. “Mexico needs that push, and it needs its fans present.” But others remain cautious. “The fear is real,” added Luis Espinosa. “We just hope future games—and the World Cup itself—won’t be overshadowed by something that has nothing to do with football.”
