World Cup: Why Mexico may be LA's favorite team

Los Angeles has been a swirling sea of green Mexico jerseys this World Cup: from the watch parties dotting the sprawling city, to bars, cafes and barber shops blaring matches, and thousands of fans streaming into Los Angeles Stadium.

The fact that Mexico has not actually played a match in Los Angeles this tournament has done little to deter fans from proudly displaying their colors, regardless of who’s on the pitch.

"After Mexico City, Los Angeles is the second largest Mexican city in the world," Gary, who was born in Mexico and moved to Southern California as a child, told DW. "Soccer is definitely inculcated in the culture here, and you can feel it." 

More than three million Mexicans and Mexican-Americans live in the Los Angeles area. Mexico's exuberant passion for the game lives with LA's Mexican diaspora, and soccer serves as connection to both home and shared history in the community.

Passing down passion

"I love the energy of the Mexican team," Lucy, another Mexico fan, told DW. "And this is my father’s jersey," she continued, gesturing to her lightly-faded green jersey. "It's like 30 years old, just as old as I am."

Family ties often ensure that supporting El Tri isn't much of a choice.

"The passion for Mexico has always been around from my parents, my grandparents, my aunts and cousins," Luis, a Mexico fan born and raised in Los Angeles, told DW.

"Everybody around us always supported Mexico. And Mexico gave us a lot more footballing memories than the United States," Luis went on.  He notes that masses of Mexico fans are easy to spot throughout the city whenever they play.

"I was headed over to watch Mexico play after work, and there was a long stretch in the middle of the city where all you saw along the street were people in green jerseys. I think Mexico is really a favorite here in Los Angeles." 

The most popular team in LA?

Despite Los Angeles hosting the United States' first two matches — both of which they won — Mexico might actually be the most popular team in the city this World Cup.

"For a while, the US men's national team did not want to play against Mexico in LA because it was a home game for Mexico," said Gary.

Los Angeles-born USA striker Haji Wright grew up among the split allegiances.

"It all depends on who you talk to," he said. "I have friends who support Mexico and friends who support the US. This country is a cultural melting pot and LA is no different."

The large Mexican-American population on both sides of the border means the United States and Mexico are often in a tug of war over dual national players. World Cup stars Obed Vargas and Brian Gutierrez were both born in the US and elected to represent Mexico, while Los Angeles native Julian Araujo would likely have joined them on Mexico's roster if he wasn't injured prior to the tournament.

A complex rivalry

This bitter footballing rivalry also divides fans.

"If Mexico get knocked out of the tournament, I'd root for the US," said Hector, igniting an instant debate with his friend Luis.

"I don’t support the US," Luis said. "I hate (former USA international) Landon Donovan. Even though he was the US' best player, I don’t like that guy.”

Gary, who unlike Luis and Hector was not born in the US but has has lived here for nearly four decades, was more measured. "If the US plays, I'll root for the US. But if they play Mexico, I have to go for Mexico. It’s just more within the culture," he said.

A glance at the thousands of green Mexico jerseys on parade around LA during the World Cup, whether Mexico is playing or not, seems to confirm Gary's sentiment.

Edited by: Matt Pearson