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Mexico's Heart Beats for Atlas Lions!
30 Jun
Summary
- Monterrey declares holiday for Morocco-Netherlands World Cup match.
- Achraf Hakimi praised for defending Spanish-speaking journalist.
- Mexico remembers 2014 defeat to Netherlands ahead of match.
As Morocco prepares to face the Netherlands in the 2026 FIFA World Cup's round of 32, Monterrey, Mexico, is experiencing an unprecedented wave of enthusiasm for the Atlas Lions. The governor of Nuevo León has declared a public holiday in Monterrey on Monday to allow residents to enjoy the festivities surrounding this pivotal match.
Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi has garnered significant praise from Mexican supporters. He defended a local journalist during a press conference, allowing him to speak in Spanish and offering to translate. Hakimi expressed his pride in having fans in Mexico, stating he was "happy and grateful for the affection from Mexican fans and others worldwide."
The excitement for the Morocco-Netherlands fixture is also tinged with the memory of June 29, 2014. On that day, a disputed penalty led to Mexico's defeat against the Netherlands in the World Cup, a moment forever remembered in Mexico with the phrase "no era penal" (it wasn't a penalty).
With Mexico already advancing to the round of 32 as group winners, the host nation is eagerly anticipating this high-stakes game between two top-ranked teams. The match is scheduled to take place in Monterrey.
