local
Meet Caramelo, the Mexico superfan attending his 11th World Cup
By Tales Azzoni, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· June 23, 2026
· 3 min read
Long after Mexico’s World Cup win against South Korea, fans young and old lined up outside the stadium to take photos with Héctor Chávez and his big black sombrero.Also known as Caramelo, candy in English, Chávez is arguably as well-known in Mexico as the members of the national team.He says the ...
Key takeaway He says the game last Thursday in Guadalajara was his 543rd match watching “El Tri,” which he has followed around the world since Mexico last hosted the World Cup in 1986.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
Terrell Hills residents who have attended soccer matches in the San Antonio area may recognize the enthusiasm and dedication of fans like Caramelo, who has been following the Mexican national team for decades. The city's own strong Hispanic heritage and vibrant soccer community make stories like Caramelo's particularly relatable to local fans. As the World Cup continues to captivate audiences worldwide, San Antonio's own soccer enthusiasts are likely to be inspired by Caramelo's unwavering support for his team, even as he faces criticism from some quarters. The fact that Caramelo has been able to attend so many matches, including friendlies, highlights the significant following that Mexican soccer has in the United States, particularly in cities like San Antonio with strong cultural ties to Mexico. This phenomenon is likely to be on full display in local watch parties and gatherings, where fans will be cheering on their favorite teams and players.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Long after Mexico’s World Cup win against South Korea, fans young and old lined up outside the stadium to take photos with Héctor Chávez and his big black sombrero.Also known as Caramelo, candy in English, Chávez is arguably as well-known in Mexico as the members of the national team.He says the ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tales Azzoni, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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