Minutes

When the final whistle blows, Mexico's team defeats South Korea 1-0, securing the top spot in Group A of the 2026 North America, Central America, and Mexico World Cup early, and becoming the first team to advance to the knockout stage (top 32) in this tournament. Hundreds of kilometers away at the Guadalajara stadium, in a fan viewing area in Mexico City, a reporter witnesses this crucial victory alongside thousands of fans during an unexpected heavy rain, also witnessing the passion and power that football stirs on this land.

In Mexico City, the World Cup is not just about the stadium.

On match days, the restaurant TVs are crowded with men, women, and children dressed in green jerseys; street vendors move their displays to the roadside, still paying attention to the game while doing business; even gas station staff stubbornly connect small screens the size of a palm to live broadcast signals. Football is an indispensable spiritual nourishment for this city.

For many fans who cannot be present at the stadium, the official viewing areas located at 18 sites across the city are the most direct way to experience the World Cup atmosphere. No tickets are needed here; a large screen is enough to gather thousands of hearts beating for football.

As night falls, the reporter arrives at a viewing area to watch Mexico play against South Korea. Just as the game reaches the 35th minute, a sudden torrential rain pours down. The weather in the highland rainy season is as changeable as a child's face—suddenly changing. In an instant, a sea of colorful umbrellas rises in the square.

Most are people who didn't bring umbrellas. Some continue watching in the rain, soaking wet; others retreat to a nearby shelter, unwilling to leave even if they can only see a corner of the big screen.

When the reporter opens an umbrella, two soaked fans turn around and ask cautiously, "Friend, can we hide from the rain together?"

Under one umbrella, three strangers quickly start talking. Luis, a telecommunications engineer from Toluca, Mexico State, has traveled multiple times to watch the game.