The “Banderazo” strengthens the brotherhood between Colombians and Mexicans in the 2026 World Cup

GUADALAJARA, Mexico. — One day earlier than the match between Colombia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (7 pm PT) at the Guadalajara Stadium, the Glorieta de La Minerva as soon as once more grew to become a gathering level for 1000’s of Colombian… and Mexican followers.

There was salsa, vuvuzelas, yellow and inexperienced t-shirts, flags and chants, but additionally one thing that has been repeated since the 2026 World Cup started in Mexico has been the closeness between Colombians and Mexicans.

Beyond the ardour for soccer, identical to in Mexico City when the espresso group opened its participation in the World Cup in opposition to Uzbekistan, the match has left the picture of brotherhood between espresso growers and Aztecs on the streets of Guadalajara.

Mexican followers accompany the guests’ celebrations, whereas many Colombians reply with the identical enthusiasm when El Tri enters the scene.

That connection was skilled once more on Monday at the “Banderazo Colombia” in La Minerva.

Karina Ospina, initially from Medellín and resident in Guadalajara for 4 years, assured that she has by no means felt a cultural distance as nice as she imagined when she arrived in Mexico.

“It hasn’t been easy being away from my homeland,” Ospina mentioned.

However, he considers that the similarities between each international locations have made adaptation simpler.

“The cultures are not very different. We are very similar and people here really want to get to know Colombia.”

At his facet was Samuel Romo González, a person from Guadalajara who has been his companion for 3 years. After visiting Colombia on a number of events, he says he discovered a rustic the place he felt at residence.

“It’s very familiar,” González mentioned. “They opened the doors to me from the first moment and it was great for me.”

Daily coexistence has additionally ended up erasing boundaries in the kitchen. Samuel exhibits off the ribs ready with panela, whereas Karina admits that she ended up falling in love with chilaquiles and that, though at first the Mexican spice appeared unattainable to bear, now it’s a part of her food plan.

History repeats itself with Marco Toscano and Anyi Vallejo.

The Colombian Anyi Vallejo (left) and her companion Marco Toscano (proper) participated in the “Banderazo Colombiano” in La Glorieta de la Minerva on Monday, June 22, 2026.

(JAD EL REDA / LA TIMES)

He is from Guadalajara. She, from Valledupar, the land of vallenato. They met simply seven months in the past for work causes and since then they’ve maintained a relationship between each international locations, always touring to see one another.

During the World Cup, Marco has noticed how this affinity between each followers has turn out to be much more evident.

“The Mexican has that ability to welcome people with open arms and the Colombian also gives a lot of love,” mentioned Marco. “The joy that a World Cup brings is shared.”

Anyi steered that the manner Colombians have been obtained in Mexico stunned her from the first days of the match.

“They receive us in a very pleasant way. Truly, without words,” he mentioned.

The followers don’t divide their assist both. Anyi mentioned that he additionally wears the Mexico shirt when the native group performs, whereas Marco assures that for the match in opposition to Congo he will likely be the one who will put on the Colombian shirt.

The identical scene appeared in one other household gathered for the most essential soccer match on the planet.

Colombian Natalia Duarte Archila arrived from Bucaramanga to Guadalajara to get pleasure from the World Cup and go to her Mexican kin. His sister-in-law, Viridiana Barragán Frías from Jalisco, assured that the integration has been utterly pure.

“Colombians are very familiar, very ‘cool’. We like to support them and tomorrow we will be with Colombia,” mentioned Frías.

For Viridiana, the rationalization goes past soccer.

“We are very hugging, cuddly, empathetic. We like to dance, live together and we have very similar tastes.”

Natalia agreed. After a number of days touring Guadalajara, she highlighted the kindness with which she has been handled and assures that this hospitality has been considered one of the experiences she’s going to bear in mind most of the journey.

While Colombia seeks a victory this Tuesday that may convey it nearer to the subsequent spherical in opposition to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guadalajara has obtained a big presence of espresso followers. Many will likely be accompanied by buddies, household or Mexican {couples} who determined to additionally make the yellow of the South American group their very own.