local
Meet Caramelo, the Mexico superfan attending his 11th World Cup
By TALES AZZONI, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — 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 th...
Key takeaway Also known as Caramelo, candy in English, Chávez is arguably as well-known in Mexico as the members of the national team.
Why this matters in The McAllen
The story of Caramelo, a Mexico superfan attending his 11th World Cup, resonates deeply with the Rio Grande Valley's large Mexican-American community. Many residents in McAllen have strong ties to Mexico, with family and cultural roots that span the border. Caramelo's dedication to the Mexican national team is likely to inspire local fans who gather to watch World Cup matches at community centers, restaurants, and homes throughout the city. His fame in Mexico also highlights the significant impact that Mexican sports and culture have on the Valley's vibrant community. As the World Cup continues, McAllen residents will be watching with interest, cheering on their favorite teams and players, and perhaps drawing inspiration from Caramelo's unwavering enthusiasm. The Valley's unique cultural landscape, where Mexican and American influences blend, makes stories like Caramelo's particularly relatable and engaging for local sports fans.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . The McAllen 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 ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — 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 th...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by TALES AZZONI, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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