DELEON SPRINGS Cesar DaCosta threw up his arms and stamped his right foot when Mexico missed a second goal opportunity against South Africa in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup on June 11.The opening game of the FIFA 2026 World Cup was played before 80,000 fans at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, but DaCosta, originally from Portugal, sat at a booth at Taqueria y Panaderia La Calentana in DeLeon Springs, enjoying all the pre-game fanfare and soccer players' moves on a large television atop the bar."I am from Portugal, but I have a lot of Mexican friends, so I came to this restaurant to cheer Mexico," DaCosta said. "I wanted to watch the Mexico game in a Mexican place. You know, it's a lot more fun to be around people enjoying the same game."DaCosta said he was especially happy since the Mexican team scored its first goal in the 9th minute of the first half of the match, putting Mexico ahead of South Africa 1-0.The goal was scored by Julin Quiones early in the first half following a turnover by South Africa. Even the kitchen staff in the back screamed with joy when Mexico scored.World Cup fans brave blinding rain to enjoy opening game at DeLeon Springs restaurantDaCosta was one of a handful of soccer fans who braved a blinding rain to be at the Mexican taqueria and bakery to watch the World Cup's opening game.Josue Luna, of DeLand, also made the 7-mile trip to the DeLeon Springs restaurant to be in a Mexican atmosphere for the game, he said."The first goal was perfect, man. I'd rather they get it early in the game. Hopefully, they get one more, and so I won't be too nervous," Luna said.Elexa Mercado, also joined Luna at the restaurant to cheer the Mexican national team."I am Puerto Rican, but Puerto Rico does not have a soccer team so I am riding with Mexico," Mercado said, enjoying Mexican food and a soda. "And I am with him (Luna), so I am supporting Mexico."'I'll get fired before I miss a game,' World Cup soccer fan saysWorld Cup fever has begun and the fans who gathered at Taqueria y Panaderia La Calentana, said they might miss some World Cup games, but they will definitely not miss any matches involving Mexico."I will make sure I find the time to watch all the Mexico games," Luna said. "Win or lose, Mexico is my team."As for DaCosta, he said he will also root for his team from Portugal and will be at a Portuguese restaurant in Palm Coast to enjoy the game when his country's team plays.And he plans to watch all the World Cup games until a World Cup champion is crowned."You know, I'll get fired before I miss a game," DaCosta said laughing.And he should be happy. Mexico won the opener against South Africa 2-0.This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Mexico World Cup fans cheer team in DeLeon Springs