‘¿Y si sí?’ A new rally cry is inspiring Mexico during World Cup

Key Points:

• Following Mexico's 2-0 win over Ecuador and advancement to the World Cup round of 16, fan enthusiasm surged, with over a million people celebrating in Mexico City’s Zócalo, marking the team's best performance since 1986.
• The phrase “¿Y si sí?” ("What if we do?") has become a rallying cry among fans and players, symbolizing hope and belief that the Mexican team can exceed expectations despite past disappointments.
• The World Cup success has temporarily united a politically polarized and troubled Mexican society, offering a rare moment of joy and social cohesion amid ongoing national challenges.
• Authorities are implementing crowd control measures for Mexico’s upcoming knockout match against England to ensure safety after previous celebrations led to fatalities, but fan excitement remains high.
• While the tournament has provided a much-needed emotional outlet and sense of unity, commentators acknowledge that deep-rooted social and political issues in Mexico will persist beyond the World Cup.