World Cup ignites nationwide passion in Spain and Mexico

Spain’s national football team has become a symbol of unity, drawing millions of citizens from diverse regions, ages, and backgrounds to rally behind “La Roja” during the World Cup matches staged in the United States and Canada. Players such as Lamine Tamal, Nico Williams and Aymeric Laporte chose to represent Spain rather than their countries of origin, reinforcing a narrative of national cohesion.

In Mexico, scholars note that the tournament triggers intense emotional mobilisation, turning the national squad into a focal point for identity and community. Academic Josué Hernández Ramírez explains how the World Cup creates shared experiences, alters daily routines and fosters collective belonging, while also being intertwined with the commercial side of professional football.