Changing gears now…..the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end as fans of "the beautiful game" celebrated kickoff today. Hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the competition will feature an expanded 48-team format, bringing more nations into the spotlight. While Belize did not qualify, excitement remains high across the country as fans gear up for the world's most-watched tournament. We hit the city streets to find out which teams Belizeans are supporting and why the football continues to be one of the nation's most beloved sports:
The world's biggest sporting spectacle kicked off today, the FIFA World Cup 2026 - and Belizeans countrywide celebrated the kickoff at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City:
Jaleeza Roberts
"It is officially the start of the 2026 Fifa World Cup and we're going around Belize city and looking at other parts of Belize to see exactly how Belizeans start off their World Cup. We know that football is a big deal in the region and in Belize as well, so take a look with us"
We found fans at popular bars - taking a few hours off work - or an extended lunch to share in the excitement.
UB in Belmopan hosted a watch party. Fans wore merch and repped their teams:
Reporter
"What are you guys doing for the entire World Cup?"
Interviewee
"Well we think that it's important for everyone to get the best experience in TV so we're bringing our 98 inch tv to all the restaurants here in Belize City and we're gonna go to Belmopan and Orange Walk in the following weeks so we're gonna be here tonight at Tavern, Midpoint and Thursdays this week."
Reporter
"Who do you want to win this year?"
Interviewee
"Definitely has to be Argentina."
Reporter
"Why?"
Interviewee
"Because it has to go out with a blow, biggest team ever."
Reporter
"This is Messi's last World Cup, how does that make you feel?"
Interviewee
"Well I think it's a closing of an age, we need to see the next one coming up right now."
Interviewee
"I hope Argentina makes it double."
Reporter
"Why?"
Interviewee
"Argentina's been my team since I was a little kid so."
Reporter
"How do you feel with this being Messi's final year in the World Cup?"
Interviewee
"Sad it's like a end of an era but he had a good run"
Reporter
"Which team you hope win?"
Interviewee
"Portugal."
Reporter
"Why?"
Interviewee
"Because of Ronaldo"
Interviewee
"ARGENTINAAA!"
Reporter
"Why?"
Interviewee
"Messi the goat."
Reporter
"This is Messi's last year, how do you feel?"
Interviewee
"Oh my God, I feel like Argentina should win again, back to back."
And when we asked these fans why they enjoy the World Cup they told us it's a global celebraiton:
Interviewee
"I think it's just the biggest sport in the world so you really can't miss being a part of it"
Interviewee
"Probably because it's something that is very famous and I notice many Belizeans like sports."
Reporter
"Do you watch it?"
Interviewee
"Sometimes"
Interviewee
"I don't think I have a great answer for that but I just think we love it just like any other country, football is a great sport"
And so Belizeans will be watching this up until the Finale on July 19th giving sports bars a chance to capitalize on a love for sport and football fans, followers and true believers a chance to socialize on one common ground. Who will win? We are yet to know.
