PETALING JAYA: The iconic “Mexican wave” was born in the country’s football cauldrons decades ago.
Now, as the World Cup returns to Mexico for a historic third time, the nation hopes to send another wave across the globe – one of unity, culture and hospitality.
Nearly 40 years after it last hosted football’s biggest spectacle, Mexico is preparing to welcome fans from around the world as it joins Canada and the United States in staging the first 48-team World Cup.
Mexico will become the first nation to host the World Cup three times, having previously staged the world’s biggest event in 1970 and 1986.
But according to Mexico’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Luis Javier Campuzano Pina, this will in many ways be the country’s fourth World Cup, as it also hosted the Women’s World Cup in 1971.
Although at the time the Women’s World Cup was not officially recognised by FIFA, it still drew over 100,000 spectators to the final.
For Mexico, co-hosting the World Cup with its North American neighbours goes far beyond football.
Pina described the tournament as a symbol of what cooperation can achieve at a time when the world feels increasingly divided.
“This World Cup will help us show what unity and cooperation can bring to the world.
“This is a great message to give to the world that has been pulled apart in some ways by polarisation,” he said.
The ambassador added that major events such as the World Cup offer countries a unique opportunity to showcase themselves to the world, especially in an era when social media amplifies global attention.
And for Malaysians travelling for the World Cup, particularly to Mexico, Pina said they may find more similarities with Mexico than expected – especially when it comes to food.
“We are a vibrant country. We welcomed over 50 million visitors last year, which shows there is so much to discover in our country.
“We love food and we have great gastronomy. One of the main contents of this gastronomy is the spiciness, and I know that’s something Malaysians love too.”
Beyond cuisine, Pina pointed to shared values of multiculturalism, diversity, and hospitality between both countries.
“You will receive a huge welcome from Mexicans. We are a friendly country, and you will feel embraced,” he said.
The Embassy recently held a Photographic Expo, sharing the history of Mexico’s participation in the World Cup, and the country’s long-rooted history with sports.
With Mexico set to launch the World Cup at the iconic Estadio Azteca on June 12, Pina hopes visitors will leave with more than memories of football.
“It is difficult to put it in words. But come to Mexico and experience it,” he said.
