The opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup left some Tobagonians disappointed as hopes of an African team lifting the coveted trophy took an early blow.
Football fans at Nej'on Bar in Scarborough told Guardian Media they were backing South Africa against co-hosts Mexico. However, Mexico got the ball rolling with a 2-0 victory against the 2010 hosts, Bafana Bafana, in a Group A fixture that saw three red cards.
Football fans gathered to take in the action on the big screen and other smaller screens arranged in an arena style on the compound.
Although Trinidad and Tobago were knocked out of qualification at the final stage, the red, white and black was represented by national flagman David Nelson who came to watch the game in full national colours. Despite Mexico being a part of the Concacaf region, Nelson said he wanted the South Africa to get the win as he was backing the underdogs.
"At this World Cup, I wish to see an underdog win the World Cup," he said. "During this 2026 World Cup I will be supporting Curacao, who knocked out Trinidad and Tobago, against Germany on Sunday."
Nelson said he was not fazed by T&T's absence in the World Cup nor its 3-0 defeat to Russia in a recent friendly.
"I am proud of our standard. We are 1.2 million people, Russia is 143 million people. I am proud against TT — win, lose or draw."
The frustration was evident on the face of former national hockey player Christina Yearwood as South Africa received two red cards and failed to test the Mexicans.
She said, "I would like to see an African team reach far, but they ain't play nothing today. They didn't impress me," she said.
The former national goalkeeper gave kudos to the South African custodian, the only player she said could keep his head high.
"The goalkeeper real save. Is he stop them from getting 5-0."
The owner of Nej'on Bar, who wished to stay anonymous, said he expects the vibes to build on the island as the games come flying.
"I expect a lot of people will come out to support their team. Tobagonians love football," he said.
He believes this could be the year an African team wins the World Cup for the first time.
He said, "I supporting all the African teams -- all ten. I want one of the African teams to win the World Cup this year, but I normally does support Germany."
