Soccer Enthusiasm Sweeps Reno as World Cup 2026 Kicks Off
The excitement of the 2026 World Cup filled the air at the Reno Public Market on Thursday, as soccer enthusiasts gathered to watch the opening match. The atmosphere was electric, igniting a sense of soccer fever throughout the city.
The crowd erupted with cheers when Mexico’s Julian Quiñones scored a stunning goal just nine minutes into the match against South Africa. This early lead set the tone for a thrilling game, with Mexican fans showcasing their spirited pride, known as los incondicionales, echoing through the venue.
Wearing a vibrant red Mexico jersey, Corrina Angel shared her sentiments on the sense of unity such events bring. “The feeling of community, the celebration… I think that football is literally a sport that brings people together all over the world,” Angel remarked. She expressed her joy at being part of the communal viewing experience, saying, “I’m just really happy to be out of the house and watching the game in a big group with people I love.”
The Reno Public Market hosted this as the first of many watch parties organized by Reno Pro Soccer, promising more events as the tournament unfolds.
Among the crowd was Mario Velasco, also clad in a Mexico jersey, who appreciated the lively atmosphere. “The vibe is great, being able to see everyone’s reaction and being able to see the live game with everyone, it’s awesome,” Velasco noted. Although he missed the opening goal, his optimism for Mexico’s performance remained high. “Sadly I missed the first goal, but [Mexico’s] been playing great, they’ve had many opportunities, I see them going far in the tournament,” he added.
As the final whistle blew, Mexico secured a 2-0 victory, much to the delight of their supporters. The enthusiasm for El Tri continues to build as fans look forward to the next matches.
