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As Morocco prepares to face the Netherlands in the 2026 FIFA World Cup's round of 32, Monterrey, Mexico is awash with excitement for the Atlas Lions. The countdown to this pivotal match sees a unique fervor in the host country. In a remarkable move, Nuevo León's governor has declared a public holiday in Monterrey, allowing residents to revel in the match and its accompanying festivities.
This decision impacts the educational sector on Monday and provides a half-day for public administration workers in Monterrey, primarily to prevent traffic chaos in a city already welcoming throngs of supporters.
??? Moroccan fans light up the streets of Monterrey ahead of their World Cup clash against the Netherlands! ???
— All Fútbol MX ?? (@AllFutbolMX) June 29, 2026
They're already soaking up the atmosphere in Mexico. ✍? pic.twitter.com/IjdQySe3ui
With Mexico already securing their spot in the round of 32 by topping Group A, the co-host nation alongside Canada and the United States eagerly anticipates this high-stakes showdown between two FIFA top 10 teams.
Achraf Hakimi Earns Mexican Praise
Moroccan national Achraf Hakimi has won over Mexican fans by standing up for a local journalist during a press conference, allowing him to speak in Spanish despite interruptions from a FIFA moderator. Hakimi, fluent in Spanish, offered to translate and answer in English, emphasizing his appreciation for Mexican supporters: «I am proud to have fans in Mexico, a country I love very much. I am happy and grateful for the affection from Mexican fans and others worldwide. It shows we are progressing and achieving wonderful things», he stated in response to a question about his message to local fans.
After the incident, FIFA permitted Spanish interactions in all World Cup press meetings, with Hakimi's gesture garnering admiration across a culturally proud Mexico.
June 29, 2014: A Date to Remember
Local excitement for the Morocco-Netherlands match is further fueled by the poignant memories of June 29, 2014. On this day, a controversial penalty against Mexico in the World Cup's round of 16 led to a bitter defeat to the Netherlands. The infamous phrase «no era penal» became ingrained in Mexican cultural lore, invoking passionate recall as Mexico now hosts the Dutch alongside the Atlas Lions.
In 2014, the Netherlands triumphed over Mexico following a disputed call involving Arjen Robben, who later admitted anticipation of a foul that never happened. This incident, which saw El Tri lose 2-1, sparked nationwide outrage. Fans and media have perpetuated the phrase «no era penal», even humorously speculating how VAR might have affected that decisive moment, echoing in the 2026 World Cup fan zones.
