ไทย
English
中國人
Mexico heads into Sunday's round of 16 embodying exactly what actor Cristo Fernández believes the World Cup represents: the pursuit of something greater.
El Tri couldn't be in finer form on soccer's biggest stage—flawless so far with four consecutive wins and a clean sheet throughout. Their most recent outing saw them dismantle a tough, defensively disciplined Ecuador 2–0 in the round of 32 before a roaring crowd at the Estadio Azteca, securing their first knockout stage victory in 40 years and officially shattering the notorious "la maldición del quinto partido," or "fifth game curse."
Mexico now turns its attention to England, fully confident in its ability to topple the formidable Three Lions and advance to the quarterfinals—a stage the North American nation hasn't reached since 1986. It will be yet another showdown at the storied Azteca, an impenetrable fortress for Mexico, who have suffered just two defeats there across 89 total appearances. If the players can't summon the will to win, they trust the spirit of that sacred soccer cathedral will carry them through.
It has been an uplifting journey for Guadalajara-native Fernández, who is not only a devoted Mexico soccer supporter, but is also actively chasing his own soccer ambitions. The Hollywood star, known for playing striker Dani Rojas in the beloved soccer-themed comedy series "Ted Lasso," recently stepped back from acting to pursue a lifelong dream: playing professional soccer. Fernández inked a deal with USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive FC in May, turning fantasy into reality.
"No matter your age, dreaming is something worth embracing—because society tends to tell us that only children are allowed to dream big, but I believe it belongs to everyone," he tells Sports Illustrated, wearing Mexico's rich green home kit. "I hope adults truly realize that dreaming isn't just for the young."
WIN FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™ FINAL TICKETS & OTHER PRIZES
To 'Believe,' Dream Big
"As time went on, this passion reignited inside me," Fernández says about his return to soccer. "But I also needed to prove to myself that I genuinely could play. Something didn't feel right—I was living out the dreams of a soccer player without actually being one. I simply had to go for it."
For Fernández, the world's game is filled with dreams waiting to be unleashed. After all, "Believe" sits at the heart of "Ted Lasso," symbolized by the lopsided yellow sign that the title character, Ted, pins to the locker room wall. It's a feeling most powerfully experienced in the sport's most prestigious tournament, shared by players and supporters alike.
"I just love the passion for the game and the energy of the celebrations," he says, speaking as part of StubHub's World Cup Cuts campaign, which honors soccer's fan culture. "The World Cup itself is a dream come true for me. It's the first one I've [witnessed] in person, and I get to experience it alongside my sister, Paloma, and my closest friends.
"I attended the very first opening match at the Estadio Azteca, which was a dream realized and something I'll carry with me forever. I'm incredibly grateful for and proud of the campaign we're a part of."
Enable functional cookies to see this feature.
Fernández hasn't been able to catch every El Tri match due to his demanding new training regimen in Texas, where he is working to adjust to the elevated standard of play. Still, he's keeping a close eye on Mexico as it chases its soccer dreams—while quietly pursuing his own.