¿Y si sí? A Quick Explainer of Mexico’s New World Cup Mantra

Unless you’ve been living under a rock or – worse – are not following Mexican memes on social media, you have definitely heard our new favorite mantra. It is three simple words that we are now repeating over and over again: ¿Y si sí?

Yup, these three words are now everywhere, and while it’s not clear who started it or where it came from, it’s now EVERYWHERE, from the front pages of newspapers to memes and echoing across every group chat. And – unfortunately – it has also been taken over by marketing folks who are using it to pitch everything, from cars to delivery services.

What does it mean, anyway?

A literal translation of ¿Y si sí? would be something like “What if yes?” but what we mean by that little, powerful phrase is “What if we win?” … as in … what if we win… The World Cup?

So I’m crossing that out because I’m not the want to jinx it. In any case… ¿Y si sí?

Mexico to Face England in CDMX for World Cup Match. I’m Here for the Memes

Paquita vs. Adele: Who you gonna listen to when they break your heart?

England and Mexico will face each other Sunday, July 5 at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca for a historic match at FIFA 2026. And while I’m not an expert in scores, points systems and whatnot, I’m here for the memes about what “my people” (i.e. “The Mexicans”) are calling The Match of the Century.

Here are some of my very faves. Choose your fighter!

Who makes you laugh the hardest?

Abbey Road vs. el Camino de las Habas

007 or No contaban con su astucia

Harry Potter vs. Las Brujas de Catemaco

Legends

Rocker vs. Roquero

Merlin vs. Merlin (you know which one I’d pick)