Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThe World Cup treated us to historical moments, unbelievable matches and some incredible stadiums across Mexico, Canada and the USA. It was a dream come true for me to travel around presenting games for the host broadcaster, Fox Sports, and covering the matches in Mexico was an experience Ill never forget. The fans, stadiums, culture and atmosphere encapsulated everything the tournament is about.I was lucky enough to see multiple matches in all three of the Mexican host cities Guadalajara, Monterrey and of course Mexico City. Each was completely different to the other, but all had one thing in common: passionate, emotional and seriously loud Mexican fans at the very heart of them.From the moment you landed in the country, green shirts were everywhere you looked. Men, women, kids, babies, dogs and even ducks were all wearing the jersey. Mexican players faces were on billboards on the street, on juice cartons and sweet packets in the shops, and there was World Cup signage around every corner. Its a football-mad country the atmosphere was infectious and brilliant.I got the true taste of what football means to Mexicans by working on all of the games there with Javier Chicharito Hernandez, who still holds the record as the countrys all-time leading goalscorer. In a nation that treats football like religion, Chicharito is revered as a god.Around Europe I work with some of the biggest names in the game and fans get excited when they see them. Many ask for selfies, autographs, or just stop to say hi. But getting around Mexico with Hernandez was something from another planet. Peter Schmeichel was also with us, and even he said, You never see this in England. You may like JULES BREACH: The USA knows how to put on a sporting event and the World Cup is the biggest of them all and there will be no escaping the crazy, gripping, emotional entertainment this summer I spent six weeks in New York and they opened their arms to the World Cup and the world came to play 'People have judged me my whole career, now it's time for me to judge them' Fox Sports reveal star-studded 2026 FIFA World Cup punditry panel featuring big name ex-players Fans would chase Hernandez down and scream his name when they saw him, all desperate to get as close as possible to touch him or get his signature. Moving around the stadiums, a police escort was required to get us from A to B. Ive never seen anything like it before, but thats how much football means to Mexicans; its everything to them. Their passion was contagious and they were a true example of a 12th man for their team.Then there were the stadiums. The Azteca is iconic. As you approached the area in Mexico City, you could see it rising up in the distance. Its bright colours stood out, yet it was imposing old but grand. The area was gritty, which gave it an edge, and the streets were lined with taco vendors.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.There arent many stadiums that you can walk into and feel an atmosphere, even when its completely empty, but the Azteca had a rare, magical feeling when you stepped inside. Fill it with thousands of Mexican supporters and the noise was indescribable. When a goal was scored, you were lucky if you werent completely drenched in beer! It was wild and crazy exactly how football should be enjoyed.When you looked around, you could picture the historical moments Pele and Carlos Alberto, plus Diego Maradonas Hand of God and his incredible solo goal that followed. I was there for three games, including the tournaments opening match, and no other stadium topped it throughout my travels. It had already hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, and would have been a deserving setting for this summers showpiece as well.Estadio Guadalajara was unique. It was built to almost look like a volcano, the external walls covered with grass up the sides making it appear as if the stadium was growing out from the ground, but then with a large, futuristic ring for its roof. Picturesque from the outside and spectacular within.Monterrey was simply exquisite the pictures dont do it justice. The whole area surrounding the stadium is a postcard backdrop of green mountains. Not only was it a modern arena on the inside, if you were lucky enough to have a seat on one side of the stadium, there was the most stunning view of the mountains through the roof. Even in person, it didnt look real.After Mexicos games, the street parties filled with thousands of fans were some of my greatest images from the World Cup. There were cars driving past and feeding passers-by with tequila out of the window, loud music blaring from bars and a party atmosphere into the early hours of the morning.Football is deeply rooted into the culture of Mexico and the country fully embraced its role as one of this years hosts. They made it a special, unforgettable experience.TOPICSJavier HernandezPeter SchmeichelMexicoWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Jules BreachColumnistJules Breach is a broadcast journalist who has lead presenting roles for TNT Sport, Channel 4, ITV, and Premier League Productions. Jules hosted BT Sports live flagship football show Score and also presents live Premier League, Europa League and Champions League matches. Jules is the lead presenter for Channel 4s coverage of the England games and also hosts ITVs EFL Highlights show. Jules presents worldwide coverage for Premier League Productions and away from work is a passionate Brighton fan.
