Thousands of soccer fans flooded Tijuana’s Avenida Revolución on Wednesday to watch Mexico’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against South Africa at the Baja Fut Fest, a month-long public watch party running through July 19. Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz inaugurated the festival, which transformed the city’s main tourist corridor into a pedestrian fan zone with giant screens, food vendors, and gathering spaces.
Estimates of the crowd ranged from 2,000 to more than 5,000 people, depending on the source. By 9 a.m., caravans of cars draped in Mexican flags were already streaming into downtown. Fans wearing green jerseys, waving flags, and sporting face paint in Mexico’s national colors filled the historic center hours before kickoff.
39 Days of Free World Cup Screenings
The Baja Fut Fest will run for 39 days, offering free match screenings and soccer-related activities on Avenida Revolución. The festival is a joint effort between the Tijuana municipal government and the Baja California state government. Local authorities have set up special traffic and security operations at access points to the avenue, with alternate vehicle routes in place for the duration of the event.
Officials are also reviewing designated areas along Avenida Revolución where alcohol consumption may be permitted during the festivities. Established businesses and tourism operators in the downtown core expect a notable increase in food, beverage, and merchandise sales over the festival’s 30-plus days of operation.
World Cup Tied to Community Projects Across Baja California
Beyond the watch parties, Baja California officials have linked the World Cup celebrations to a statewide community initiative called Mundial Social. Plans include the rehabilitation of more than 21 soccer fields, the opening of 27 additional community pitches, organized tournaments, and World Cup-themed murals in public spaces across the state.
The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. While official FIFA matches are being played in cities including Mexico City and Guadalajara, Tijuana’s proximity to the U.S. border makes the Baja Fut Fest a natural draw for fans on both sides. After Mexico’s win, hundreds of fans remained on Avenida Revolución, waving flags and posing for photos in front of the giant screen.
The festival will continue daily through July 19, with free screenings on every match day. Originally reported by Zeta Tijuana.