Mexico downs Australia 1-0 before 75,000 fans at Rose Bowl

Mexico's national soccer team defeated Australia 1-0 Saturday before a near-capacity crowd of about 75,000 fans at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, completing the team's final match on U.S. soil ahead of the FIFA World Cup next month.

The send-off friendly drew supporters from across Southern California — including fans from Bakersfield, Santa Clarita and Fontana — marking the unofficial start of a World Cup summer in the region as Los Angeles prepares to host matches among 16 North American venues.

Fans packed the iconic stadium hours before kickoff, with attendance reaching roughly 75,000, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. The pregame atmosphere featured sustained chanting and a festive display of Mexican soccer culture as supporters streamed in from throughout greater Los Angeles.

"They're amazing. They're fast. They're good players. They have good energy. All good things," said fan Deona Wiles, who attended with friends and family.

Rick Yanez, who drove from Bakersfield for the match, described his bond with the team as lifelong. "I grew up watching it. My dad loved watching it, so I'd always watch it. I've been a Mexican fan since I was a kid. Everyone is excited, it's World Cup season. It's going to be a great summer of soccer. We're happy," Yanez said, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

For some fans, the match carried meaning well beyond the final score. "It's rough what we are going through as a country, in the world, and so it's OK to just detach from that and come together and heal part of the community," said Tania Gonzalez of Santa Clarita.

Lawrence Cooper, also of Santa Clarita, said the energy inside the Rose Bowl surpassed his expectations. "The atmosphere is amazing. It's vibrant. Mexico people lovely, friendly, very welcome," Cooper said, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

Fontana resident Aldahar Madrid captured the mood outside the stadium after the final whistle. "We're going out tonight. We're having a great time, and we're turning up — the city of L.A.," Madrid said.

The FIFA World Cup opens next month across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Los Angeles among the host venues. Mexico's 1-0 result Saturday gives the squad a morale boost heading into one of the most anticipated tournaments in World Cup history.