A crowd of five or six people deep formed a semicircle around the small entrance of The Napper Tandy on 24th Street, many dressed in the green, white and red colors of the Mexican flag.

Inside, the pub was packed. Most tables had been reserved days in advance for Mexico’s World Cup match against South Korea, while those waiting outside hoped for a chance to catch a glimpse of the screen and, more importantly, feel part of the moment.

“I feel like I’ve been waiting for this for my entire life,” said Dulce Ramos outside the bar. “Like, to have a drink and sit at a bar and watch the game with my friends, the community of this.”

The Mission District pub was one of many venues across the neighborhood and throughout San Francisco filled wall to wall with fans Thursday night. They gathered to watch Mexico defeat South Korea 1-0 and improve to 2-0 in the opening round of the tournament. They’ve now qualified for the knockout stage of the tournament.

“It’s way more fun to experience this around people,” said 28-year-old San Francisco resident Andrea Galoardo, whose parents are from Mexico. “Whenever there is a good strike or a goal, we can all be together.”

Across the city, it was difficult to spot jerseys representing any other national team as supporters turned out in force.

“I love to see everyone else wearing Mexican stuff,” said Sabrina Mangabay, who wore a luchador wrestling mask decorated with the colors of the Mexican flag that she purchased across the street at Mixcoate near 24th and Mission streets. “That’s how it is here in the Mission.”

“We wanted to be in the Mission for this one,” added her friend, Kaylee Flores, who watched Mexico’s opening match at Spark Social. “It’s gonna be a big ass game.”

People of Mexican ancestry make up roughly 7.4% of San Francisco’s population, or about 66,000 residents. The Mission District is one of the largest Mexican communities in the city, and even in the hours leading up to the game, people were walking down 24th Street in Mexican jerseys, blasting music and gearing up in anticipation of the game.

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Marco Selcedo, who moved from Mexico to Marin County in 2019, said he was looking for a place that felt like home during the World Cup.

“Reddit said this was the place to be,” he said. “I wanted the ultimate Mexican experience of the World Cup. I miss Mexico, and I missed being around other Mexican people during a moment like this.”

This year’s World Cup is the largest in tournament history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. In San Francisco, Mexico remains one of the tournament’s biggest draws.

In a time when many Mexican Americans and immigrants have felt targeted by divisive political debates and immigration crackdowns, the watch parties provided a rare chance to celebrate openly and collectively.

“This was always such a big deal in my house,” said Isabella Martinez-Bernal. “My grandma is almost 80. She watches every single game. I knew it was going to be hella crowded, but I want to be with community, especially during this moment in time.”

As the second half began, a light mist started to fall over the Haight neighborhood. Outside Kezar Pub, fans packed the parklet and gathered around three television screens while a bouncer managed a growing line at the door.

When Mexico’s Luis Ramos scored, celebrations erupted throughout the crowd. Fans exchanged high-fives, hugs and cheers, celebrating not only the goal but the shared experience.

“I love how we can connect with strangers because of a common interest,” said Amelia Legorreta, who attended a Mexican watch party Thursday to introduce her girlfriend to the culture. “It’s so beautiful you can just high-five a random stranger and feel their love for the same thing you love.”