ESPN called it “a disastrous early exit.”

The result in front of 62,565 fans — most of them draped in green, red and white and vigorously rooting for the three-colored team known as El Tri — brought back memories of Mexico also failing to advance past the first round of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. There, the team also had a record of one win, one loss and one tie, and scored just two goals in more than 270 minutes of play.

“Since 2019, Mexico has gone from failure to failure,” wrote the newspaper El País.

The sports newspaper Diario AS said the team is “going through a crisis of results that calls its future into question.”

“The only thing they do is make themselves ridiculous,” TV Azteca commentator Christian Martinoli said on the air. “This is another resounding failure.”

Mexico entered its final group-stage game on Sunday needing a victory to advance as Group B’s second-place team. The squad opened promisingly with a 1-0 win over Jamaica but then lost 1-0 to Venezuela.

After their tie, Mexico and Ecuador each had 1-1-1 records, but Ecuador advanced thanks to outscoring its opponents 4-3, while Mexico’s aggregate was 1-1.

Venezuela surprisingly won the group with three victories and advanced to the quarterfinals along with Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay (and three other teams, pending more first-round results on Monday and Tuesday).

Based on the world FIFA rankings coming into the tournament, Mexico (15th) was the heavy favorite in a group that also included Ecuador (30th), Jamaica (53rd) and Venezuela (54th). The next rankings on July 17 will probably see El Tri drop a few spots.

Although El Tri is one of only six countries that has qualified for every World Cup since 1994, the team has won only 10 of 24 games since Lozano took over as head coach last year.

His tenure started in July 2023 with Mexico winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup, a tournament for the region that covers North America, Central American and the Caribbean.

But since then, Mexico has five wins, six losses and four ties in 15 games, and a particular thorn in its side is a winless 0-4-2 record against the U.S. in tournament play since 2019.

Copa América was a chance at redemption.

Held at NFL stadiums throughout the U.S. after Ecuador backed out as host country, the tournament for South American teams often offers guest invitations to other countries. This year, Mexico was one of six teams invited.

And now, they’ll be one of eight teams heading home after the first round.

In their last four Copa América appearances, Mexico has been eliminated three times without advancing.

Just one goal against either Venezuela and Ecuador would have been enough to advance into the quarterfinals, but despite an offensive barrage by Mexico and many chances in each game, El Tri was unable to convert.

While public opinion indicates Lozano is not up to the task of leading the team into the 2026 World Cup — which Mexico will co-host along with the U.S. and Canada — the Mexican Football Federation’s director of men’s national teams said otherwise.

Duilio Davino stated in a post-game press conference that Lozano will maintain his job.

“The project continues,” the FMF bigwig said. “In two weeks, Jimmy will present us with an evaluation of what happened in the summer … We’ll talk with him about everything we can improve … but there are also positives.”

With reports from La Jornada, El País, FoxSports.mx, Marca, Diario AS and ESPN

The post With one goal in three games, Mexico makes a ‘disastrous early exit’ from the Copa América appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Rather than emphasizing highly structured learning at desks, the British EYFS curriculum allows young children to develop through hands-on experiences, exploration, and self-directed play. These practices are aimed at cultivating social skills, EQ, creativity, and an innate love of learning from an early age. 

Ombu’s British-Mexican learning space is the collaborative effort of three mothers: Mexican Elisa Palacios (Eli), and Brits Rosie Roper and Sophie Matthews. What began as a small “bubble” of children cared for by Eli during COVID-19 rapidly expanded, prompting her to seek out a larger space. Eli’s mother, who lives in a highrise building overlooking Ombu’s current location, was able to see into an open lot available for rent across the street. She suggested Eli look into the space, noting the potential of its vast courtyard. Within a year, Ombu had moved in. Rosie, an early education instructor who had taught English to Elisa’s “bubble” of students, was quickly asked to join the operation. Later on, Rosie met fellow fellow Brit (and educator) Sophie and convinced her to come on as a partner. 

The backgrounds of the three women seamlessly blend to provide children with a holistic foundation for body, mind, and spirit. Eli brings spiritual healing expertise rooted in meditation and yoga, while Rosie and Sophie, highly trained early childhood educators, draw from years of experience in prestigious international schools.

There are a number of major British schools offering EYFS education in Mexico City, from big names such as The Edron Academy (who have produced names like Jennifer Clement and DBC Pierre, where Rosie first got her start in Mexico), Greengates (now operated by international education giants Nord Anglia) and Winpenny. However, the small scale of things at Ombu makes the school feel much more personal, and allows every member of the team to play an important role in nurturing the children in their care.

Walking through the blue door of Ombu Kinder feels akin to entering a magical foreign land not unlike a scene from Lord of the Rings; a dignified Ombu tree rises from the center of the courtyard dressed with ropes for climbing. Scattered around are several inflatable pools, some filled with plastic balls and others with a shallow layer of water, explaining the bathing suits worn by many of the children running about. In a nearby classroom, the sound of a tambourine is audible over the chatter and laughter of children. Pulga, a fluffy black dog trots leisurely around the premises observing the proceedings, and I’ve been informed that a neighboring rooster drops in to occasionally check out the scene.

Various adventure stations dot the premises, including a “mud kitchen”, a giant sandbox filled with toys, a jumbo trampoline, a treehouse, and a swing set. Upon navigating from one side of the courtyard to the other, one must take great care not to be run over by gangs of tiny adventurers pedaling furiously on plastic bikes, trucks, and other miniature vehicles. Flanking the open space is a series of airy, pod-like classrooms, each with its distinct theme, from a cosmos-inspired room featuring a human-sized rocket ship and glittering planets suspended from the ceiling to a tranquil shala-like space adorned with colorful pastel cushions. 

Ombu caters to children aged 0-5 years, drawing a diverse array of nationalities, among them Mexican, Danish, Russian, German, French, and American. The center’s British EYFS methodology combines elements of Montessori and Waldorf practices with its research-based approach. Each cohort, named after the elements (nieve, cielo, agua, tierra, and fuego), is assigned age-appropriate developmental outcomes customized according to the interests of each child. “It’s about observing the children, seeing what they like, what their needs are, and incorporating that into the curriculum. So it’s very much a personalized curriculum,” explains Rosie. 

The primary objectives for children include three foundational factors: social, emotional, and physical. These are followed by areas with an academic focus, such as Maths and English. But the main priority is ensuring that kids have a baseline of well-being, happiness, safety, and security. From that state, learning happens best. Sophie speaks of her own disappointing experiences looking for a school for her young child. “They were very focused on children sitting, and on silence,” she says. “I didn’t see much interaction or guidance from the teachers. It was more about behavioral management. And for children in their early years, in my professional opinion, that’s not what’s meant to happen. They’re meant to be having a bit of freedom, and walking and developing language and social skills.” She goes on to cite how important it is that Ombu allows for an environment of “organized chaos,” filled with various games and sensory stimulation, where kids can practice independence, inter-relational skills, and self-awareness.

For children with special needs, Ombu offers extra support with dedicated shadow personnel. The school also has on staff a school psychologist, speech therapist, sensory therapist, and an occupational therapist. School helpers or “guias” are vetted with a preference for those with a background in psychology, over one in teaching. To further the aim of healthy play-based early development, the center is in the process of building a sensory stimulation room, complete with soft surfaces, a slide, and a ball pit.

Ombu radiates Mexican warmth and spirit, married with British whimsy and ingenuity. It is a testament to the benefits of intercultural learning, allowing kids to be well-adjusted global citizens. “We built a center that I wish I would have had as a child,” Sophie remarks, and I have to agree. My time immersed in the school’s enchanting environment has left me thoroughly inspired and energized. And quite frankly, I wouldn’t mind spending more time there even now at my age, lost in imaginative play, learning, and multi-cultural social camaraderie.

Monica Belot is a writer, researcher, strategist and adjunct professor at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she teaches in the Strategic Design & Management Program. Splitting her time between NYC and Mexico City, where she resides with her naughty silver labrador puppy Atlas, Monica writes about topics spanning everything from the human experience to travel and design research. Follow her varied scribbles on Medium at https://medium.com/@monicabelot.

The post The tiny British school serving Mexican spirit in the heart of the capital appeared first on Mexico News Daily

While the restrictions have not affected skincare products sold in Mexico, many users here wonder if continuing to use the current concentrations puts their health at risk. To answer your questions, we asked dermatologist Dr. Daniela Lara Del Valle, founder of Clínica de la Piel Dermantra in San Miguel de Allende, if consumers in Mexico should be worried about the recent retinol restrictions.

What is retinol? 

Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that stimulates collagen production and elasticity in the deepest layers of the skin. “It is a powerful antioxidant,” Dr. Lara explains, as “it eliminates free radicals and protects DNA from its mutagenic action, meaning that it contributes to slowing down cellular aging.” Moreover, retinol reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, lightens blemishes and gives the skin a fresher, plump appearance. 

But retinol’s benefits come with risks. With an absorption capacity by the skin ranging from 5% to 10%, excessive use of retinol can cause irritation, dryness, redness and peeling. 

What do the EU’s new retinol restrictions say?

The new EU restrictions mandate a maximum retinol concentration of .05% in body lotions and .3% in face and hand products. The previously allowed concentration could go up to 1%.

The reasoning behind this decision concerns the amount of Vitamin A to which people are already exposed. 

“The European organizations that regulate the use of cosmetics consider that in certain countries, the population already exceeds the accepted standards of Vitamin A, whether through topical treatments, diet or supplements,” Dr. Lara said. 

Moreover, the regulations say that product labels should include a warning to inform consumers already exposed to vitamin A of the possibility of overexposure from the use of such agents. However, prescription-strength vitamin A products will remain available through doctors and dermatologists.

The latest restrictions will be rolled out over 36 months beginning at the end of 2024. 

Should I be worried if I buy products with more than .5% retinol?

Dr. Lara says the new EU restrictions do not mean that people who have been using the old concentration of retinol and wish to continue doing so are in any danger. However, using these products could be counterproductive for certain skin types, especially fair skin tones.

“The skin does not require high concentrations of retinol for rejuvenation, as it has an angiogenic effect, meaning that it forms vessels,” she explained. “For instance, continued use of high retinol levels by individuals with fair skin and visible veins may be ineffective.”

Whether or not to continue using the old retinol concentrations comes down to a personal decision. However, Dr. Lara recommends using alternative products to avoid risks. 

“Remember that the new restrictions are for the benefit of the skin. Ideally, we should buy products with the new concentrations or other retinoid derivatives.”

Despite these restrictions, a retinol ban does not appear to be on the cards in Mexico.

What alternatives to retinol can I use?

Less concentration of retinol in European cosmetic products shouldn’t concern consumers, Dr. Lara says. “The good news is that we have other alternatives such as retinaldehyde or retinoate. Moreover, we also have bakuchiol, the plant-based alternative to retinol.”

Bakuchiol is a chemical compound extracted from the seeds of the babchi plant. Like retinoids, bakuchiol appears to stimulate collagen producing receptors in the skin with fewer risks or side effects. It’s used in serums and creams, many of which combine bakuchiol with other botanicals, like seaweed and rosehip. 

But Dr. Lara’s preference is retinaldehyde, which unlike retinol, doesn’t require a tolerance period by the skin.

Retinaldehyde is the strongest over-the-counter retinoid.  Its formula is more complex than that of retinol, making it more expensive. Its use may cause similar side effects to pure retinol, but they are usually gentler. 

“I really like retinaldehyde or ‘retinal,’ as I tell my patients,” Dr. Lara said. “It is a direct precursor of retinoic acid, meaning that its effects are faster than those of classic retinol. Besides, it has fewer side effects and, surprisingly, is tolerated very well in most patients,” she added. 

If you need help deciding which type of Vitamin A should you use, Dr. Lara suggests seeing a dermatologist to help you choose the right product for your skin type and needs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. The writer and Mexico News Daily assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content on this site. Individuals should always consult with qualified professionals regarding medical procedures, including plastic and/or cosmetic surgery, and medical aesthetic treatments, as well as consider their jurisdiction’s applicable laws and regulations.

Gabriela Solis is a Mexican lawyer turned full-time writer. She was born and raised in Guadalajara and covers business, culture, lifestyle and travel for Mexico News Daily. You can follow her lifestyle blog Dunas y Palmeras.

The post European Union retinol ban: What you should know if you live in Mexico. appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Previously at risk of extinction in the region, the Cozumel Pearl Farm’s conservation efforts are bringing it back from the brink. At this same time, these rare oysters are producing some of the rarest pearls in the world. 

At a mere 18 years old, the pearl farm is in its infancy by industry standards. It takes years to grow a pearl, so production is limited. This makes the beautiful Cozumel pearl exceptional. A rare treasure of the ocean found nowhere else on Earth. 

The Pearls

Each pearl is hand-crafted into an exquisite piece of jewelry. Of course, you can buy a pearl on its own or have it made into a one-of-a-kind creation by a very talented Mexican artisan.

Cozumel Pearl Farm believes in supporting Mexican entrepreneurs and artisans. Building a strong partnership, each piece is unique so they sell out fast. If you are interested in purchasing a pearl, or piece of jewelry, contact the farm to check availability. 

Conservation 

Conservation efforts and sustainability are top priorities of Cozumel Pearl Farm. Alongside working with nature to establish almost zero environmental impact. The Pearl Farm’s core ethos is working in harmony with nature. In fact, the entire operation is self-sufficient, using solar, wind, and wave power to provide their needs. 

By doing this, the farm actively educates people on how to reduce environmental impact and damage. Each structure is built on stilts made from recycled telephone poles. The large palapa, where you enjoy a beach barbeque lunch when visiting, is made from sustainably sourced local materials. All water needed for the operation of the farm is collected in rainwater tanks. 

Conservation efforts involve work on both land and sea. For over a decade, the farm has been working with the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) to restore the balance of plant growth. They are also working to eradicate an invasive pine species on Cozumel island itself. 

With Guadalupe’s Blessing

Aside from CONANP, the oysters have another protector as well. The Holy Virgin Guadalupe. 

A serene sunken statue of the Holy Virgin Guadalupe watches over the pearls. She protects them and the pearl farm from natural disasters, poachers, and harm. ​

After Hurricane Wilma’s devastation in 2005, the owners — the Camaño family — learned their lesson. So, the clever Francisco Camaño (Pancho) invented an ingenious new anchoring system. Offering greater support for the oyster’s growing towers. They attach to the ocean floor. Which reduces the impact of Caribbean hurricanes. 

Guadalupe’s protection and this anchoring system kept the pearls safe. Strong tropical storms and unpredictable weather wreak havoc each year from July to November.

It also helps nearby coral from the bleaching effects of climate change. Another conservation effort is an artificial reef for coral gardening. With the added benefit of providing local economic benefits. A diverse range of beautiful marine biodiversity is drawn to this location, making it a popular attraction for divers and snorkelers. 

Touring the Pearl Farm

Yes, I went on a tour of the Cozumel Pearl Farm and can honestly say it was one the best day trips of my life. Being a pearl girl, I found learning all about pearls very fascinating. Information included how they are graded and the difference between a good pearl and a great one. Luster, shape, surface, size and color were all factors in grading quality pearls.

After touring the lab, we’d had burgers at a beach barbecue for lunch. They were delicious. They have veggie burgers too. As a vegetarian, I valued the thoughtful consideration. 

Then came my favourite part of the day. A speed snorkel!

It’s the most wonderful experience. Peaceful and the perfect way to see the aquatic part of the pearl farm. They pull you behind the boat at a slow pace. There is a long line to hang onto. You float above the pearls serenely sitting undisturbed on the ocean floor. There is a long line to hang onto, and you don’t have to be a strong swimmer.

Afterwards, you can snorkel on a pristine reef. It’s full of colorful tropical fish and teeming with marine life. I dived down and said hola to Guadalupe. I made sure to blow her a kiss of thanks for looking after the pearls before I continued my snorkel. Every color of the rainbow of fish was there. The best was hanging out with a stunning Queen Angelfish for a while. 

Swaying sea fans and anemones gently danced. Lobsters peeked out from under coral ledges. None of the wildlife seemed to be in a hurry or scared of humans, knowing they are safe in this protected area. A sweet little spotted yellow ray glided along the bottom. It displayed a true island vibe and seemed to be in no hurry. 

This was a truly unique experience. A true Mexican treasure. Because the Cozumel Pearl Farm is the only pearl farm that uses the Atlantic Pearl Oyster, they may just be the rarest pearl in the world. 

Mexico Correspondent for International Living, Bel is an experienced writer, author, photographer and videographer with 500+ articles published both in print and across digital platforms. Living in the Mexican Caribbean for over 7 years now she’s in love with Mexico and has no plans to go anywhere anytime soon.

The post Does Mexico have the world’s rarest pearl? appeared first on Mexico News Daily

So, as Pride month wraps up, here are five under-the-radar, queer owned businesses around Mexico. Each is highly rated and offers a creative twist on its particular business niche. Check them out whenever you get the chance.

Revuelta Queer House, an art gallery and rooftop bar in Mexico City

Revuelta Queer House is a community space in Mexico City’s Roma Norte neighborhood that offers cultural activities, a queer art gallery and a casual rooftop bar serving food and drink. “We want everyone to feel welcome, to express their identity and connect in community,” the group says.

Revuelta is located in Mexico City’s Roma neighborhood, in two old homes that the group’s five co-founders restored. They host a range of events including guest DJ performances, poetry readings and drag lotería, to name a few.

Location: Puebla 92-94, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX

Queer Spanish Classes, online

 

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Queer Spanish Classes offers online small-group classes designed specifically for queer women and trans and nonbinary people. “I created Queer Spanish because I know first hand how intimidating it is to learn a new language and how vulnerable we feel when we are part of the LGBTQ+ community,” founder Sandra Romero writes on the Queer Spanish Instagram account. Sandra, who is based in Mérida, moved to Mexico from her native country of Spain in 2018 and has taught Spanish since 2014. 

Sandra teaches all levels of Spanish in sessions focused on speaking skills and tying in grammar, reading and film. She describes her classes as “a safe, welcoming environment where you are allowed to make mistakes.”

Sandra told Mexico News Daily. “I teach aspects of the language that they won’t learn in a traditional class, like for example how to use inclusive language in Spanish, [which is] so important today in the queer community.”

She asks that interested students follow and send her a message on her professional Instagram page, @queerspanishclasses, to schedule an introductory call.

La Celestina in Celestino Gazca, Sinaloa

La Celestina is a seafood restaurant in Celestino Gazca, Sinaloa, a small beach town known for its yearly oyster festival. Oysters feature prominently on the menu, along with other Sinaloan seafood classics like pescado zarandeado.

The owners, Vicky Ibarra and Paola Cázares, married in 2020, just months after the Sinaloa state congress rejected a proposal to legalize same-sex marriage (in defiance of a Supreme Court mandate). In an act of protest, the couple married on the beach on neighboring Nayarit, one meter from the Sinaloa state border. Today, La Celestina is a sponsor of Pride parades in the cities of Mazatlán and Culiacán.

La Celestina is most active on the weekends, when day trippers from the Sinaloan cities of Mazatlán and Culiacán come to sip beers and chow down on aguachile in the shade of its beachside palapas, away from city crowds. On Sunday afternoons, it’s common to find a local female-fronted band playing in the main bar area.

Location: Playa Rosal, Celestino Gazca, Sinaloa

Mercadita Diversa in Monterrey, Nuevo León

Mercadita Diversa is an initiative from nonprofit Queer XP to highlight queer art and entrepreneurs as part of their mission to further the economic well-being of the queer community. The roughly monthly markets feature art, accessories, food, jewelry and more from dozens of LGBTQ businesses, and often take place at the Metropolitan Museum of Monterrey.

“Our goal for the future is to become a network of resources for the economic development of entrepreneurs of all socioeconomic backgrounds and emerging businesses that can benefit from our services,” said Rogelio González of Queer XP’s communications team.

Rogelio invited Mexico News Daily readers to support these queer owned businesses and entrepreneurs by following the social media accounts (Instagram @queerxp.ac y Tiktok @queerxp).

Casa Jacaranda in Mexico City

Founded by the husband-and-husband team of chefs Beto Estúa and Jorge Fitz, Casa Jacaranda offers traditional Mexican cooking experiences. The classes pick out fresh ingredients at the market then back at the house, chefs (including Beto and Jorge) teach recipes and techniques. The event finishes with a delicious, seasonal meal prepared together by the class.

The project began ten years ago, when the couple was living in a Roma neighborhood home “with one of the loveliest jacaranda trees in the city in front,” Jorge told Mexico News Daily. The house became a social hub for friends who shared a love of cooking. “We were always in the kitchen or hosting.” That experience and their proximity to markets inspired them to develop an experience “representing those childhood days we both spent in the houses of our grandmothers or aunts, cooking as a family to create a feast together,” Jorge said.

Casa Jacaranda offers private and group cooking classes as well as more intense multi-day bootcamps.

Any more queer owned businesses in Mexico that you think are worth visiting? Let us know in the comments.

Rose Egelhoff is an associate editor at Mexico News Daily and a freelance writer. She’s on Twitter and the internet. 

The post 5 queer-owned businesses in Mexico to check out before the end of June appeared first on Mexico News Daily

The only Games at which Mexico surpassed this total by a wide margin were at London, where everything seemed to go right, including a dramatic win by the men’s soccer team. That year, the team won eight medals, a performance bettered only by the 1968 team, which came on home soil.

You could also safely predict that Mexico’s female athletes will outperform the men: of the last five Olympics, women have won 64% of Mexico’s Olympic medals. Diving and taekwondo are also safe bets for medals in individual sports. In the same twenty-year period, they’ve been the most successful, with six medals each — although half of the taekwondo medals were won by the great María Espinoza, now retired.

A strong start in aquatic sports

Let’s start in the water, where the diving team looks particularly talented this year. Qualification for Paris has been based on results from the last two World Championships, and Mexico is sending a team of ten divers to Paris. The large squad combines experience with young divers who are just reaching their peak. 

Leading the way is Osmar Olvera Ibarra. He was the youngest in the team at the Tokyo 2020 games and recently won gold on the 1-meter springboard at the Doha World Championships. In Paris, he will be jumping from the 3-meter board. Here too Ibarra has an impressive record, with bronze and silver medals from the last two World Championships and a gold from the Pan American Games.

High board diver Randal Willars has come through the youth ranks with a steady determination and is now the Mexican number one at this event. He is small and light in a sport where divers tend to be small and muscular. He might have finished fourth in the recent World Championships but will go to Paris full of confidence having won a bronze medal in the recent Diving World Cup Super Final in Xi’an, China.

In the men’s high board event, Mexico has a formidable pair in Willars and Kevin Berlín, himself a top ten ranked diver. The women’s synchronized 10-meter team could also be in the hunt for medals. The veteran Alejandra Orozco — who made history as  the youngest athlete to represent Mexico way back in 2012 — will once again be diving with Gabriela Agúndez; with whom she won a bronze medal at the Tokyo games.

It all looks promising and if Mexico gets a medal early — their first opportunity comes on the second day of competition with the men’s synchronized high board event — then the whole team will be inspired. It will be a disappointment if Mexico brings anything less than two medals home from the diving pool.

Tentative hopes for Mexico’s taekwondo squad

Mexican Taekwondo is in a rebuilding stage after the disappointment of the Tokyo games, where the team failed to win an Olympic medal for the first time since the sport was introduced in 2000. The 2022 World Championship in Guadalajara appeared to have sparked a revival, bringing three titles and six medals. The first opportunity to ensure an Olympic place came at the end of the 2023 season, with finishing in the top five of the world rankings guaranteeing a place in Paris. 

While this was technically for the country rather than the individual fighter, only Carlos Sansores and Daniela Souza achieved early qualification, leaving the rest of the team needing to finish in the first two at the Pan American Qualifying Tournament. Even World Champion Leslie Soltero failed to qualify via this regional tournament, leaving Mexico with just two contestants in Paris. 

At least this small team has real quality. Sansores’ boyish looks and quiet voice belie his size: he stands a heavily built 1.90 and is going into the games in the best form of his life. He has won medals at the last three major games he has contested and is currently ranked second in the world.

Daniela Souza has been in the sport for a long time, winning a bronze medal in the World Junior Championships way back in 2016. She was one of the three Mexican champions at the 2022 World Championships and is in good shape, recently winning the US Open. 

Souza fights in the women’s -49kg section and is a whiplash, dramatic fighter who attacks aggressively and has the nimbleness to avoid counterblows. She is also quite capable of landing big, 3-point scoring blows. However, she faces an outstanding fighter in world number one Panipak Wongpattanakit, competing for Thailand, while Quing Cha Guo looks capable of becoming the next great Chinese fighter at this weight. 

Two medals, and possibly a gold, are certainly possible for Mexico, but Taekwondo is an unpredictable sport. 

Where else could Mexico pick up a medal?

There are a few sports  where Mexico is probably not going to win medals. Certainly not in soccer, where El Tri Feminil, despite an increasingly popular domestic league, have made little progress on the international front and have not qualified for the games. The men’s team, gold medalists in 2012 and bronze medalists in 2020, also failed to reach Paris. 

There are no real hopes in the swimming pool, where Mexico’s last medal was in 1968, or on the track, where success is going to be defined by reaching a final. 

So, where should we look for further medals? Start with the women’s archery team, where both Alejandra Valencia and Ana Vázquez are outstanding competitors, with Valencia ranked third in the world at the time of writing. The real medal hope comes in the team event, where Mexico has regularly reached the knock-out stages of the competition only to fall short of a medal. 

Much will depend on the form of the third archer, which looks to be 17-year-old Angela Ruiz. Despite her youth, Angela ranks 22nd in the world, and if she can deal with the pressure of her first Olympics, then this is a strong team and a medal looks a real possibility. Gold, however, seems unlikely: South Korea is seeking their 10th consecutive win since archery came to the Olympics back in 1988.

MEXICO to @Paris2024 @Olympics #ArcheryinParis #archery pic.twitter.com/22EMzQ75P0

— World Archery (@worldarchery) June 15, 2024

Despite all the country’s professional success at boxing, the Mexican Olympic team has underachieved. This is still a tough working-class sport, with pressure to turn professional and bring in a little money. The last 40 years have only produced four Olympic medals, and we would have to go back to 1968 for a gold. 

The team in Paris will be small, with two men and two women. It will be worth keeping an eye on Marco Verde. The Mazatlán native comes from a boxing family, his father having represented Mexico at the 1992 games. 

Verde fights at welterweight, a little heavier than most of the successful Mexican Olympic boxers, and will go to Paris as the Pan-American champion. Paris will be much tougher, but nobody — including Verde himself — is quite sure just how good he is and a surprise medal might be in the cards.

The women’s gymnastics team has done well to reach Paris and although there’s little hope of a team or overall medal, there is a good chance that  Alexa Moreno will bring something home in the vault. She has survived internet bullying, acquired a degree and come out of retirement for her third Olympics. 

There are also a couple of young men from a Mexican-American heritage who have opted to represent Mexico. Roman Bravo-Young in wrestling and Alan Cleland in surfing could both spring a surprise. 

The surfing takes place 15,000 kilometers away in Tahiti, and while Cleland is not a favorite for a medal, he is noted for being at his best when the waves are at their most challenging. Tahiti is a venue that should suit a young man who learned his skill in the notoriously rough waters of Colima: big waves might just bring a big surprise.

When to cheer the Mexican team:

July

26 Opening Ceremony

29 Diving – Men’s 10-meter synchronized platform final

31 Surfing – Men’s final

August 

3 Gymnastics – Women’s Vault final

7 Taekwondo – Women’s 49kg final

8 Diving – Men’s Diving 3-meter final

10 Taekwondo – Mens +80kg final

11 Closing Ceremony

Bob Pateman is a Mexico-based historian, librarian and a life term hasher. He is editor of On On Magazine, the international history magazine of hashing. 

The post Who will win Mexico’s 74th Olympic medal? appeared first on Mexico News Daily

The Mexican team — also known as “El Tri” for Mexico’s tri-colored flag — play next on Wednesday, against Venezuela.

The quadrennial tournament is traditionally for South American teams, although non-members can be invited as guests. When Ecuador backed out on hosting the 2024 event, the United States stepped up as host country, allowing six additional teams to play: Mexico, U.S., Canada, Costa Rica, Panama and Jamaica. 

The 16-team tournament opened last Thursday with Lionel Messi and Argentina beating Canada 2-0 in Atlanta. It’s now in the round-robin phase through July 2. The top two teams from each of four groups will advance to the knockout round, starting July 4.

El Tri, down one spot at 15th in the latest FIFA world rankings, is in Group B with Ecuador (30th), Jamaica (53rd) and Venezuela (54th). Venezuela opened with a 2-1 upset win over Ecuador on Saturday in Santa Clara, California.

Mexico’s slim victory over Jamaica in Houston on Saturday wasn’t as convincing as many had expected, nor was it pain-free.

Midfielder Edson Álvarez, the team’s captain and best playmaker, left the field in the 30th minute with a torn left hamstring. MedioTiempo, a Mexican sports news website, reported Monday that the 26-year-old, who plays for West Ham in England’s Premier League, will be out for the rest of the tournament.

That’s a major blow for El Tri’s head coach Jimmy Lozano, whose scheme relied heavily on Álvarez’s leadership and experience. Moreover, due to tournament rules, no player can replace him.

Lozano is on the hot seat, with a record for El Tri of 10 wins, six losses and three draws. The question is whether he will remain as Mexico’s head man for the next World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the U.S. and Canada in 2026.

Mexico, competing as a guest in Copa América for the 11th time in its history, plays next against Venezuela in Inglewood, California, on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Mexico City time. The team will finish round-robin play against Ecuador in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Mexico broke diplomatic relations with Ecuador in April after Ecuadorian police raided the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest the country’s former vice president, Jorge Glas. Mexico and Ecuador have both filed suits against each other at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Disappointing weekend for F1 racer ‘Checo’ Perez

Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez continued his less-than-stellar 2024 season with an eighth-place finish in the Spanish Grand Prix in Montmeló, Spain.

The 34-year-old Guadalajara native began the race 11th in the starting grid after another poor qualifying round, plus a three-spot penalty for driving back to the pit area with a significantly damaged car in the Canadian Grand Prix on June 9.

With 285 points, Pérez was an impressive second in the 2023 Formula 1 standings — well behind Red Bull Racing teammate and three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen’s 575 points — but second nevertheless.

This year, however, Pérez is in fifth place with only four top-three finishes and no wins in 10 races. The Belgian Verstappen is in first place with seven wins, including this past Sunday in Spain.

After doing well in his first five races of 2024 — three second places and one third place — Pérez has gone downhill. In the five races since then, he has one fourth place, two eighth places and two nonfinishes due to accidents.

Pérez signed a new two-year contract in early June that will keep him on the Red Bull team through 2026. There was much speculation that Red Bull would decide to part ways with him, and now maybe team management wishes it did.

Trevor Bauer sets Mexican Baseball League strikeout record

U.S. baseball pitcher Trevor Bauer — who was blackballed from Major League Baseball (MLB) ever since a 194-game suspension from the MLB in 2022 and 2023 — has a new strikeout record to his name.

The 2020 recipient of the National League Cy Young Award for best pitcher, Bauer is playing for the Mexico City Diablos Rojos (Red Devils) this season — and on Friday, he set a Mexican Baseball League record with 19 strikeouts in a nine-inning game. 

Bauer, who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers when he was suspended by MLB in 2022, was reinstated to the league in 2023 but let go by the Dodgers without returning. 

MLB handed Bauer the unprecedentedly long suspension in 2022 after accusations surfaced of him allegedly beating and sexually abusing a woman. Bauer denied the accusations, which were investigated by the L.A. District Attorney’s Office and MLB. Bauer was never charged with a crime, and the civil case against him by his accuser was eventually settled out of court, but Bauer has yet to secure another MLB team contract.

In 2023, Bauer played in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league. He signed with CDMX’s Diablos in March.

With reports from Marca, MedioTiempo, Associated Press, El Debate, Récord, El Universal, La Jornada, El Debate and ESPN

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Javier Muñiz Pérez is also a dentist, located in nearby Los Algodones, Mexicali, a region known for having one of the highest concentration of dentists per square meter. “You can find up to 300 dental clinics within 2 blocks,” Muñiz told Mexico News Daily.

With 16 years of experience in dentistry, Muñiz’s journey began with a degree from California State University. Presently, he serves as the director of Sani Dental Group in Los Algodones.

Both Rivera and Muñiz spoke with Mexico News Daily to delve deeper into why Mexico is an ideal destination for dentistry and how it offers high quality, service, technology, and more. 

Why Mexico is an ideal destination for dentistry

As reported by the Mexican newspaper El Economista in 2023, Mexico secured the second position in global dental tourism due to its competitive pricing and quality services. The cost of treatment in Mexico is between 50% and 70% lower than that in the United States, Canada or Europe. In 2019 alone, Americans spent over US $5 billion on dental procedures abroad, a number that continues to rise.

The proximity of Mexico to the United States and Canada is not the only reason for this upsurge. The quality and technology utilized by Mexican dentists is globally recognized, and service in the country is often perceived as more friendly and personal.

“The quality is on par, if not better [than in the United States] with prices sometimes three times lower than in the U.S. The warmth of the care provided is notably different compared to the U.S.,” explains Rivera.

She continues: “In the USA, you are greeted by multiple staff members who attend to various tasks at different times, with the dentist only spending about 5 minutes with you. There is limited direct communication with the dentist, whereas, in Mexico, we have much more interaction. I believe the care is more human and comprehensive right from the start; it is a more individualized approach.” 

Muñiz agrees. “In Mexico, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services with consistent technical excellence. We have access to all necessary supplies, and our dentists are highly skilled due to the exceptional academic standards,” he adds.

When it comes to technology and education, Mexico’s dentists “receive excellent training and Mexico’s universities uphold high academic standards. We have access to cutting-edge materials and modern technology that can rival any in the world,” Rivera says. “Our educational quality, materials, and resources are on par with international standards; many materials are sourced from Europe and Japan. The dental sector remains current with numerous conferences, courses, and certification programs available in Mexico.” 

Recommendations for choosing your dentist or clinic 

It is always important to ensure you select a location that prioritizes quality. It is also crucial to verify references. “Online reviews are highly valuable as they offer objective insights that can guide your decision making process,” Rivera emphasizes.

Muñiz underscores the significance of confirming that the clinic possesses the necessary documentation. “Ensure that they have their accreditations, including the general dentistry and specialist certificates. Each clinic should prominently display its operation notice and have a designated health officer. Additionally, professionals need to stay current with ongoing education and certifications, which are typically renewed every four years and can be requested by patients.”

Regarding professionalism and honesty, both professionals emphasize the importance of conveying seriousness and confidence. “It is crucial that the proposed treatment plan is not just what you want to hear but what you genuinely need. A good dentist will always prioritize what is best for your health. You should feel confident that the recommended solution is truly the best for you, not necessarily the most expensive or extensive option. They should communicate effectively, explaining the procedures, reasons behind them, the root cause of your dental issues, and presenting treatment plan options,” Rivera explains.

Both agree that Mexico provides a level of personalized attention that is highly valued by foreign patients. “Here, we dedicate ample time to each patient, ensuring a detailed explanation of their needs and associated costs,” Riviera proudly states.

Have you had a positive experience with dental treatment in Mexico? Let us know in the comments!

Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and collaborator for various outlets including Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.

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In addition to distracting from past or upcoming elections, board games are an excellent way to improve your Spanish. In order to compile the following list of language-strengthening entertainment tools, I’ve consulted my all-knowing Spanish teacher, Pao Arley, a friend who works in Mexico’s monstrous toy industry, and my own past experiences attending bilingual game nights right here in Mexico City.

There are plenty of game options for all levels of Spanish speakers. For ease, I’ve divided the list into beginner, intermediate, and advanced, and some can be easily adapted to accommodate Spanglish.

The benefits of game night far surpass language comprehension. With the right attendees, cuisine, and beverages, you’re guaranteed an evening of non-stop laughter and, dare I be so cursí (corny), group bonding.

Beginner

¿Adivina quién?
If you’re a party of 2, break out the trusty Spanish language edition of “Guess Who?” You’ll never be at a loss in describing your latest Tinder date to your Mexican girlfriends over coffee and chisme (gossip) again.

Basta
Despite its high-anxiety timer, Mexico’s version of Scattergories is a great way to get you thinking, quickly, in Spanish.

Pictionary
Accomplish two skills as you channel your inner sketch artist and learn new nouns and verbs.

Charadas
What we call Charades is a fun, easy, and often embarrassing way to build your vocabulary and remember it with more precision. Download an app like this for themes.

La Lotería

The Mexican “lottery” is everyone else’s “bingo”, with slightly different rules, dried beans instead of chips, and much more colorful, and cultural, characters. 

Intermediate

Cranium Spanish edition
This is a wonderful group game where you can practice spelling, answer trivia, and define words in Spanish. 

¡Dios mío! 

This bilingual version of Cards Against Humanity was created especially for the Latin community and is weirdly advertised toward families. In fact, there is a Mexicana version that is already in my virtual shopping cart. 

Scrabble Spanish edition
Word lovers will delight in the knowledge that there is, indeed, a Spanish edition of Scrabble, complete with ñ’s and accents.

Maratón
A trivia-style group game where players can choose to answer questions in categories like sports, entertainment, history, or science. It will improve your pronunciation, comprehension, and overall level of useless knowledge. 

100 Mexicanos Dijeron

If you’ve ever dreamed of having your turn on Family Feud, this is your chance to accomplish that dream, in Spanish!

Advanced

Mejor – Peor Amigo
This game should be played in a group of very close friends who can answer questions like “Who did you have a bad impression of?” or “Who here is the most beautiful?” without getting offended by the answers.

Clue
At some point in the last 30 years since I played Clue, about 475 new versions came out. Thankfully, one of them is in Spanish and proves useful in improving your conversational (and detective!) skills.

Preguntas de MIERDA
A fun group game where players must answer what they would do in horrific scenarios. It will keep everyone laughing and will definitely help you conquer slang.

Trivial Pursuit Spanish edition
Nothing like a good round of Trivial Pursuit to turn you into a fluent Spanish-speaker. Anyone who missed the boat as a contestant on Jeopardy will likely win this game, so it’s up to you to identify an optimal prize before playing.

Poker

You might be thinking “huh? Numbers for advanced speakers?” To which I say yes, because anyone who has played poker knows it’s so much more than that. It’s numbers, commands, trash talking, and the ability to participate in the gossipy side conversations that occur between sets.

Have more to add? Let us know in the comments below!

Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog, or follow her on Instagram.

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The former Beatles bass player and vocalist, who just turned 82 on Tuesday, will play on Nov. 8 in Monterrey and on Nov. 12 and Nov. 17 in Mexico City.

The last of those will be in the three-day Corona Capital music festival, where Sir Paul will be one of the headliners along with Green Day, Shawn Mendes and Queens of the Stone Age. Others in the lineup include Beck, Iggy Pop and New Order.

The indefatigable McCartney played Mexico City last year, also in November. His two shows at Foro Sol — a stadium recently rebranded Estadio GNP Seguros — was also part of the colossal Got Back tour, which started in April 2022 and is set to end on Dec. 19 of this year in London, England.

“The shows at Foro Sol were a highlight of last year for me,” McCartney wrote on his official website. “The Mexican public is very special. We always throw an amazing party together. I really want to come back to rock and roll with all of you. I am also excited about my first visit to Monterrey.”

The upcoming shows will mark McCartney’s sixth visit to Mexico, but the first time he will play outside of the capital and at a Mexican music festival.

The Beatles, who were at the height of Beatlemania 60 years ago after performing on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in February 1964, never gave a concert in Mexico during their time together.

One was planned in Mexico City in 1965, but it got canceled due to the influence of politician Ernesto Uruchurtu, who felt the mop-topped rock ’n’ rollers would be a bad influence on young people.

McCartney’s upcoming shows are part of the Latin American leg of the Got Back tour.

The first tour date is set for Nov. 8 at Monterrey’s BBVA Stadium at 9 p.m.  Ticket pre-sales will begin at 9 a.m. Mexico City time on Monday, with general sales set to launch at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 28.

He will then perform at 9 p.m. on Nov. 12 at GNP Seguros Stadium, with ticket sales set for the same times as above.

His trip to Mexico will end on Nov. 17 at the Corona Capital festival at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez — site of Formula 1’s Mexico City Grand Prix on Oct. 27. For this show, expected to last two hours, pre-sales will begin at 2 p.m. on Monday with general sales starting at 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

The cost of tickets for his solo presentations has not been announced. Tickets for Corona Capital runs from 4,490 pesos (US $246) for general admission to 8,780 pesos (US $482) for VIP passes.

Last year, McCartney captivated his two Mexico City audiences for nearly three hours as he played some of his biggest hits from a 60-year repertoire that includes The Beatles, Wings and a solo career. When he performed “The Back Seat of My Car,” a track from his 1971 album “Ram,” he included a line about Mexico City.

The newspaper El País noted that “although the singer’s voice no longer reaches the notes that on other tours made every part of the forum resound, he still maintains an electric energy, worthy of someone who loves to play live and has done so since 1957.”

McCartney has performed in Mexico City six times, in 1993, 2002, 2010, 2012, 2017 and 2023.

With reports from El País, Forbes and Infobae

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