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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Sixteen years to the date that South Africa hosted Mexico for the start of the 2010 World Cup, Mexico hosted South Africa for the start of this year’s World Cup. Fans in Bakersfield came out in full support.
Hosted across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, the 2026 World Cup kicked off in Mexico City, drawing in support from fans in town.
“I’m so excited that it’s here, it’s so fun. The World Cup is the best time every four years that we experience,” said Tim Douhan, the owner of Bakersfield Beer Company.
A strong presence of Mexican supporters cheered on as their national team finished the opening match 2-0 over South Africa. For some, the result still had something left to be desired.
Mexico gets off to roaring World Cup start with a 2-0 win over South Africa in the opening match
“I was expecting a little better to be honest, because South Africa is not a great team; but it was great. At the end of the day it was great, a great soccer game,” said Roger Magana, a local resident and Argentina supporter.
Still the enjoyment and energy that the World Cup injects was contagious.
“People come out of the woodwork to support their teams, whatever team it is. Which we love,” said Tara Douhan, co-owner of Bakersfield Beer Company.
And for lifelong soccer fans from Bakersfield, they’re happy to see that be the case.
“It’s taken a lot of years for people to get used to soccer, and soccer being the king sport of all sports. I’ve been around long enough to tell you that soccer was rejected many years ago. Now everybody accepts it, everybody absorbs it, everybody embraces it,” said Danny Sanchez, a regular at Bakersfield Beer Co. and Mexico team supporter.
For many, it means embracing the tournament with cultural and family pride.
“It means everything for my daughter, my dad, my brother, it means everything,” said Nicholas Ramirez, who was watching the Mexico match alongside his daughter.
For others it’s simply a time to enjoy the company of strangers.
“It brings people together. Strangers who don’t know each other but we’re all here for one goal,” Tara Douhan said. “No matter who you’re cheering for it’s so much fun to see a team score a good game, a good fight for the win. It’s just awesome.”
The World Cup continues in Los Angeles as the U.S. opens their campaign against Paraguay at 6 p.m.
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