Why some Mexicans feel this World Cup is 'not connecting'

https://i.cbc.ca/ais/f1f3a0e3-fa06-44a9-aa87-0da94b3a1019,1781042948566/full/max/0/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%28308%2C730%2C3539%2C1990%29%3BResize%3D%28620%29" title="League play unfolds in Mexico City's Tepito neighbourhood on June 5, 2026.

The field is nicknamed the Maracanã of Tepito, in reference to the famed Brazilian stadium, after the Brazilian national team played a pick-up game here during the 1970 World Cup, the first hosted by Mexico." width="620" />

Tournament-related construction projects in Mexico City have mainly increased daily frustrations, adding to a general feeling of apathy — if not antipathy — among locals toward the World Cup.