local
Meet Caramelo, the Mexico superfan attending his 11th World Cup
By Tales Azzoni, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 Magnolia News
In Montgomery County, where Magnolia is located, the diverse community is likely to have its share of soccer fans, some of whom may be following Mexico's progress in the World Cup. Caramelo's dedication to "El Tri" is a testament to the passion and loyalty that defines sports fandom, and his story may resonate with local residents who have their own favorite teams and traditions. As the World Cup continues, Magnolia's Mexican-American community may be gathering to watch matches and cheer on their team, with some possibly even drawing inspiration from Caramelo's unwavering support. The fact that Caramelo has been able to attend so many matches, despite the high costs, also highlights the economic investment that sports tourism can bring to local communities, a factor that may be relevant to Montgomery County's own efforts to attract visitors and support local businesses.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia 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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tales Azzoni, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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