Mexico exited the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a fiery game against England at the Azteca Stadium.
But beyond this epic match, the team has captured the attention of many Catholic soccer fans not only for their skills but for their profound faith and devotion to Our Lady.
In a recent viral clip, some Mexican soccer players and their coach, Javier Aguirre, known as “El Vasco,” were seen stepping into a small chapel inside the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was kept. They have been doing the same before every single match.
Mexico’s four stadiums have hosted World Cup games and have chapels inside their facilities.
The image of the Virgin of Guadalupe has been part of the stadium since its earliest days, though no official date marks the installation of the chapel or the image. Longtime workers insist it has “always been there,” even tracing it back to the stadium’s construction before its opening in 1966.
After the inauguration, the image remained in the players’ tunnel used by both home and visiting teams. In 1999, during Pope John Paul II’s visit to Mexico, the image was placed in his room at the stadium, where he personally blessed it. A commemorative plaque now marks that moment.
For decades now, soccer players from visiting countries and Mexicans have used the sacred chapel for prayer and veneration before their matches.
Now, it’s been publicized for everyone to see.
The viral clip, posted by the Instagram user Fer de Luna, says,
“Under the guidance of Mary, several players from the Mexican national team entrusted themselves to Our Lady of Guadalupe upon arriving at the Mexico City stadium ahead of their match against the Czech Republic.
"Among them: Armando González, Mateo Chávez, and Álvaro Fidalgo—the latter two scored two of the three goals that secured the victory for the Mexican team."
The video has over 4 million views, and it sparked hundreds of beautiful comments:
“Coincidence or not, but two of those who scored a goal came to say hello to Mother Mary.”
"These guys, besides having talent, know that with God all things are possible. Showing respect to our Mother and praying before her image gives them peace, and you can see that when they play. Glory to God—there are still young people who know God and the Virgin."
"Always drawing close to Mother Mary to receive her blessing is an act of love. Only those of us who have faith know that she intercedes for us before her Son, Jesus. A beautiful act of faith."
"What images this World Cup is giving us—faith and hope."