Mexico fans flock to Coliseum for World Cup glimpse: ‘Celebrating who we are and being proud of our soccer team’

Thousands of Mexico soccer fans gathered Saturday at the Coliseum, donning the green, white and red colors of the Mexican flag to celebrate the national team as it played against Japan before a sold-out crowd of more than 45,000 people. 

The sound of trumpets, wooden rattles, and the ringing bells of paleteros, or street vendors, filled the parking lot as fans tailgated before the game. They grilled meat, shared tacos and displayed the Mexican flag on their cars. Grills were lined with skewers, tortillas puffed over flames and coolers were stocked with beers and waters.

Portable speakers played reggaeton and some people brought their own instruments to play live music.  

Many Mexican fans said they were gathered not just for their love of the game, but also to show solidarity for their community, which President Donald Trump has targeted in his mass deportation plan.

In California, federal immigration agents have shown up at Home Depots, work places, court and even sports games to take people into custody. In June, federal immigration agents attempted to enter Dodgers stadium parking lots in Los Angeles but were denied access.

There were no reported incidents of federal immigration agents at the Coliseum on Saturday. 

Estrada Rogelio, of East Oakland, said Latinos and Mexicanos coming together given the current climate makes the communities stronger.  “For one day, we can come together and celebrate our culture,” he said. 

Rogelio celebrated with his friends and wore a Mexican jersey. His family’s pop-up table was lined with taco condiments, salsas and chicharrones de harina–a delicate, a fried Mexican snack. Rogelio said  the international game is a big deal for Oakland. 

“It’s huge,” Rogelio said. “This is great.”

World Cup preview

Mexico’s soccer team last played at the Coliseum in 2011. The game against Japan was a friendly match that gave fans a glimpse at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the Bay Area will host at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara. The game ended in a 0-0 draw. 

Alondra Marquez Ulloa, a 31-year-old stay-at-home mom, said she was excited to be out celebrating with fellow Mexican fans. 

“The way we unite as a family is a part of Mexican culture,” Ulloa said. “Being united is to show everything we’ve gone through, generation after generation.”

Gustavo Ulloa, a 32-year-old mechanic, joined Alondra Ulloa and their family for the tailgate. The group had come from San Jose, Union City and other parts of the Bay Area. 

“My family, my ancestors, everyone was all about Mexico, so I grew up loving it,” said Gustavo Ulloa, wearing a Mexican Jersey.  “These colors mean life, they mean everything.”

Dennise Rodriguez, a 26-year-old child care worker from San Rafael, adorned her hair with red, white and green ribbons, a reminder of her mother’s roots from Zacatecas, Mexico.

“I’m excited, especially in these times, where it feels like we’re kind of forced to not be so proud of our community,” Rodriguez said. “It’s really cool to see all of our people together and proud, celebrating who we are and being proud of our soccer team.”

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