This weeks article was about the first World Cup ever hosted in North America. Which has a huge impact on the way the rest of the world in how Mexico represented a different model of nation-building and showing the modernity instead of the state-led project behind the 1968 Olympic Games. During 1940’s-1970’s known as the Mexican Miracle the Mexican Government used sports as part of their cultural diplomacy. It wasn’t until the 1970 World Cup where it wasn’t planned out by the state instead it was through private networks of the football and media elites.
When it comes to Mexico it very politically dominated and corrupt and although it brought economic growth to the country it was also unfortunately under the authoritarian rule of the PRI political party. Unlike other countries where they had a major input on the outcome of these events. Soccer was completely dominated by rich private businessmen who owned clubs, stadiums, and media outlets.
The article highlights the rise of Guillermo Cañedo and Emilio Azcárraga. As Azcárraga rose to fame as the heir of Televisa which owns Club America and controlled the television broadcasting at the time. Cañedo rose to fame from a small club owner to President of the Mexican Federation and Vice President of FIFA. Together they both dominated the Soccer industry in Mexico.
Despite Mexico winning as host nation for the 1970 World Cup not just because of their infrastructure but as well as the Cold War and decolonization issues going on. This also reinforced the power of Cañedo and Azcárraga as their business grew bigger as they did also the planning for the World Cup.
-Abraham Cruz-Hernandez
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