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Whether the team is playing a World Cup match in Brazil or a friendly in North Carolina, the Team Mexico fanbase travels well and makes its presence felt worldwide. This level of commitment and joy was apparent last Saturday, June 28.

Coming into the quarterfinal stage of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, it was presumed that Hispanic representation would be significant among attendees as three of the four teams competing were Panama, Honduras and Mexico. However, it was Mexico’s fans that took over the day’s proceedings — and not just for their match.

For Mexico’s fans, soccer is in their blood. Their passion for Mexico is like no other team’s fanbase in the tournament and the atmosphere is always electric.

The day before their match against Saudi Arabia, Mexico manager Javier Aguirre made note of the love he feels from the fans.

“It means a lot,� Aguirre said. “We arrived at the hotel with a lot of people (welcoming us). It’s really nice to come to these American cities where we’ve been able to see the affection that Mexican fans have for us. You feel at home in these stadiums.�

Aguirre said that during his long history of coming to the U.S. as a player and manager, the reception from the Mexican fans has always been strong. It has given him motivation as a manager to ensure his players recognize the support and play much harder and give the fans a memorable experience.

Mexico defender Jesús Orozco said the team identifies with every fan that has shown up to the team hotel.

According to the Arizona Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 DATOS report, which analyzes Arizona’s Hispanic market, Arizona had the fourth-highest annual net migration count in the United States — reaching nearly 78,000 people.

The data speaks to the energy that was felt in Glendale last week. It was loud, intense and fiery — much like the game that night.

But before Mexico’s game, Panama would play Honduras in the first quarterfinal game. Two hours before the game, ESPN correspondent Juanxo Villaverde said he knew fans in attendance were coming for the main event later that day.

“I think there will be more Honduras people here (than Panama), but everybody is going to come for the Mexico game,� Villaverde said.

Both the Gold Cup and Club World Cup have struggled with attendance this summer. There were more than 1 million empty seats throughout the group stage of the Club World Cup, ESPN reported. Additionally, Soccer America reported a decline in attendance during the group stage of the Gold Cup compared to the last time the tournament was held in 2023.

But Mexico’s fans are unlike any other team competing in the Gold Cup, and as the first game began, Villaverde’s prediction became more accurate by the second. They showed up loud and proud for their country. In the opening game, Honduras and Panama fans could be spotted in the crowd but it was the Mexico fans that slowly began to take over State Farm Stadium. The more the game went on, the more you would see green and black fill the red stadium seats.

The Panama and Honduras match was one that went the distance. Panama took the lead just before halftime as forward Ismael Díaz scored from the penalty spot — a controversial decision that took a few minutes for the referees to review. It looked like Panama had the game wrapped up until Honduras responded with an equalizer from forward Anthony Lozano, sending the match to penalties.

Honduras would win in penalties 5-4 — clinching its first Gold Cup semifinal appearance since 2013. Heading back to the locker room, players and coaches expressed their emotions for an achievement that signified growth for a nation that has not experienced much success in soccer of late. They would now have to wait and see whom their opponent would be in Santa Clara on Wednesday: Mexico or Saudi Arabia.

The intensity rose as Mexico entered the field to warm up. When the referee blew the whistle for kickoff, the players and fans showed a readiness to wear their hearts on their sleeves — ready for 90 minutes of passion and intensity.

Throughout the first half, Mexico attacked the Saudi Arabian defense. It led to even more fan involvement. Every time there was a corner kick, the fans would also rise in anticipation for a breakthrough moment.

It was clear the players leaned on the crowd’s energy. The Mexico fans showcased a nonstop passion that would be difficult to replicate.

The opening half also led to some aggressive moments. Challenges were flying in and players took things personally. Multiple confrontations occurred, including a big one near the end of the half after a Saudi Arabian player was fouled.

At halftime, the score was 0-0 but it was clear that Mexico had the advantage. It just needed to find the back of the net, and soon into the second half, it did just that when forward Carlos Vega scored his first goal of the tournament.

After an offside review, the goal was confirmed and the crowd at State Farm Stadium erupted.

Mexico’s second goal came near the end of the game on an own goal from Saudi Arabia defender Abdullah Madu. The match ended 2-0, and Mexico dominated Saudi Arabia in several key aspects of the match. The Mexican fans’ trip to Glendale was rewarded — their team was off to the semifinal to play Honduras.

Before the match, Aguirre told his team to give the fans something to cheer for. After the match, he expressed his appreciation for Mexico’s fans.

“Every time we come you have a commitment,� Aguirre said. “I don’t know where they spend their money, the least you can give them is to run, to fight for your country.�

Aguirre said it is a goal of his to have the fans go home happy and knowing that the players share their passion for Mexico. They were able to do that against Saudi Arabia, and again vs. Honduras, which Mexico defeated 1-0 Wednesday.

Mexico will face USA for the Gold Cup at 4 p.m. Sunday in Houston on Fox.