Mexico fans gathered in San Francisco’s Mission District to watch the World Cup kickoff, with many expressing their excitement and pride for their team. The first game of the tournament was played in Mexico City, with Mexico facing off against South Africa.

At the Napper Tandy, an Irish pub in the Mission, fans packed the tables and cheered on their team. David Venegas, originally from Jalisco, Mexico, was among those watching the game. “Every four years we wait for this,” Venegas said. “All my life I’ve been playing soccer. It’s in my family. I go to Mexico a lot, so soccer’s in my blood, and it’s super important to me.”

Mayor Lurie Makes an Appearance

Just before halftime, the crowd at the Napper Tandy got a special visit from Mayor Daniel Lurie, who walked in wearing a shirt and tie despite the blistering heat. “This is an event that brings people together. That is so rare and so needed in the world that we live in today. Thirty-nine days where everybody can collectively share in something is pretty amazing,” Lurie said.

Outside, fans bearing Mexico flags and jerseys could be seen all over the Mission District. Inside, bars were filled to capacity, with crowds spilling out into the street. The atmosphere was pleasant, with people enjoying the game and each other’s company.

However, the celebration was also marred by concerns over recent issues affecting some players’ arrivals in the United States. Aymen Hussein, Iraq’s star player, and the Iraq team photographer were detained and questioned by Customs and Border Patrol for seven hours at Chicago O’Hare airport. Omar Artan, a Somali referee, was denied entry into the United States due to “vetting concerns.”

Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.