'It's very exciting to feel it' - Deaf and deaf-blind fans share World Cup experience in Mexico
Fans with hearing and visual impairments were able to experience the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Guadalajara thanks to a special accessibility programme featuring sign language and tactile sign language interpretation.
The initiative, part of the FutFest 2026 programme organised by the University of Guadalajara, enabled deaf and deaf-blind supporters to follow the opening clash between Mexico and South Africa through specialised interpretation services.
Interpreter Omar Martinez explained that the project was designed to ensure that fans with disabilities could fully participate in the excitement of the tournament.
“What we are doing today is interpretation for deaf people and for a deaf-blind person, in which we use tactile sign language, where the deaf person touches the hands and can understand the interpretation and what is happening in the match,” Martinez said.
Among those attending was Jose de Jesus Loera, who was born deaf or hard of hearing and later lost his sight completely. He described the experience as his first World Cup match.
“I feel more emotions, with the vibration, with the speakers and the screen. I feel that it is much more exciting,” he said.
Another fan, Manuel Martinez Garcia, said the initiative allowed people with disabilities to enjoy the event without communication barriers.
“It gives me more emotions to see that there are many people and to be with all the people so that we are not excluded,” he said. “It's very exciting to feel it, and I hope Mexico wins.”
FutFest 2026 was created to bring the World Cup closer to local communities through free public screenings, cultural activities and inclusion programmes aimed at making the tournament accessible to a wider audience.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
