The 2026 World Cup marked a milestone in the history of soccer in Mexico, serving as a meeting point for fans. The phrase ‘What if yes?’ became a symbol of support for the Mexican National Team, popularized by the commentator Andrés Vaca.
Andrés Vaca, who works as a commentator at TUDN, shared during the Rayados Talks 2026 event the origin of the phrase that resonated among the supporters of the Mexican team. He clarified that, although the expression did not emerge during the World Cup, it transformed into a motto that united fans. The phrase originated in the context of the Pumas, according to Vaca, stemming from a statement by Efraín Juárez, and was adopted by supporters as the tournament approached.
“Whenever I was about to commentate each match of the National Team, people would say to me: ‘What if yes; Vaca?’. It was very rewarding,” Vaca mentioned, indicating that the expression became a motivational message that crossed the borders of soccer. He posited that the implicit question in the phrase invites reflection and optimism, promoting the idea that it is always worth a try.
During his speech, Vaca also revealed that the discourse he presented during the inaugural ceremony of the World Cup before South Africa was carefully thought out. Although he did not have a written script, he was clear about the message and requested time in the broadcast to express his excitement. “What if yes, Mexico? What if yes is this afternoon when we get excited again?” he recalled having posed in his speech.
Despite the fact that the phrase is not his own, Andrés Vaca expressed his satisfaction that it resonated with fans throughout Mexico, establishing itself as a symbol of support during the tournament.
By the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, the Mexican National Team ranked tenth in the FIFA rankings, accumulating 1,754.30 points after advancing to the round of 16, completing the group stage with three victories and no goals conceded, achieving its best position in the ranking since March 2022.
Source: www.infobae.com
