Cristo Fernández, best known for his role in the hit series “Ted Lasso,” has made headlines by signing with the El Paso Locomotive, a club competing in the USL Championship. This move comes at a time when enthusiasm for soccer in the United States is soaring, particularly in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Cristo-Fernandez-Cazadores-Tequila-061526-7e92bc824ae4493b9645cddbaf64a1cb.jpg)
Reflecting on his childhood experiences, Fernández recounts the joy of attending soccer matches with his father in his hometown of Guadalajara, Jalisco. He fondly remembers the excitement of supporting his team, Chivas de Guadalajara, saying, “Those memories stay with me…and I have them in my head.” An experience that stands out for him is his first visit to the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where he felt the palpable energy of a packed crowd, stating, “The more people you have there, the more energy.”
In May, the 35-year-old Fernández returned to the professional soccer pitch, expressing his enthusiasm for the sport’s expansion in the U.S. “Soccer has grown so much,” he remarks, highlighting the increasing interest as the country prepares for the World Cup. He is currently promoting a campaign with Tequila Cazadores, called “Carded by Cristo,” which transforms the traditional yellow and red cards into symbols of pride for fans.
Fernández believes that soccer possesses a unique ability to unite individuals across cultural divides. “Soccer has that,” he explains. He is particularly eager to witness the camaraderie and shared passion at the upcoming World Cup. With the tournament soon to commence, he is ready to experience his first World Cup live, a privilege he has long anticipated. “This year is particularly special because it is my first time watching live, in-person with my friends and family,” he states, indicating he plans to attend games in Mexico.
The FIFA World Cup will unfold across 16 host cities, with matches taking place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Three of these cities will be in Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey. Fernández highlights his excitement for the games set in his homeland, while also expressing enthusiasm for the matches in the United States. However, he admits that attending games in Canada might be a stretch due to the distance.
Beyond his support for Mexico, Fernández is also keen to cheer for the U.S. and his Locomotive teammate, Carl Sainté, who will represent Haiti in the tournament. “It’s going to be a good year, with more teams to support,” he adds, clearly relishing the array of competitive spirit that the World Cup promises to deliver.
As the United States gears up for this monumental event, Fernández embodies the hopeful enthusiasm shared by many soccer fans across the country. He emphasises the significance of experiencing matches live, noting, “You cannot fake that.” For him, the atmosphere found in the stands is irreplaceable and underscores why sports, particularly soccer, resonate deeply with humanity.
In conclusion, as soccer continues to carve its place in American culture, Cristo Fernández stands at the forefront of this movement, eager to share his passion for the sport and celebrate the unity it brings. The upcoming World Cup will not only be a showcase of talent from various nations but also an opportunity for fans like Fernández to relish in the shared experience of live sports, fostering connections that transcend borders.