Álvaro Fidalgo scores debut World Cup goal for Mexico and dedicates it to late grandparents

Mexican midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo came off the bench to net Mexico's third goal in a 3‑0 victory over the Czech Republic at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the third naturalised player to score for the national team. After the match he sang América’s anthem “Mi Mayor Anhelo,” a nod to his former club, and was seen wiping away tears, saying the goal was “for my grandfather, who I lost two months ago,” also remembering his grandmother and mother.

A video of a young fan wishing him luck went viral; Fidalgo responded, promising to send the child a jersey and thanking him for the support. The win secures Mexico’s place in the round of 16, with the next game scheduled for 30 June at the Estadio Ciudad de México.