CHAPTER 1850: CHAPTER 968: GROUP D FIRST MATCH, NATIONAL TEAM VS. AMERICA (PART 2)

There’s nothing to be done, after all, Ding Yue isn’t short on money. Since he’s here at Mexico’s Aztec Stadium to watch his own national soccer team’s match, the priority is definitely to have the most comfortable viewing experience.

If the team can win this match, then the experience would be even more satisfying.

Of course, the match hasn’t started yet, so Ding Yue can only imagine. Whether they can defeat the American team and secure a victory in the group stage and World Cup opener still depends on today’s players’ performance.

There’s still some time before the match begins. Currently, it’s time for the audience to enter by ticket inspection, but both the American and our national teams have arrived early at the Aztec Stadium, each waiting in their respective lounges for the match to begin.

This match, to show the "friendly competition" between the national team and the American team, reportedly also features a local Mexican female star performing at the opening.

Soon enough.

Ding Yue, with Huang Youjie, Xu Bin, Secretary Wen Ruohan, his sister Ding Xiaoyu, and Lin Zhirou, passed through the VIP exclusive ticket inspection, entered the venue, and arrived at the VIP seats.

The so-called VIP seats aren’t that different from the regular ones; it’s just that the location is better and looks more spacious. The difference isn’t as significant as between economy class and first class.

"Yue, when do you think we’ll be able to host the World Cup in our country? That would definitely be bustling."

Huang Youjie, after sitting down, couldn’t help but exclaim.

"I bet every match would be packed full by then." Ding Yue joked in reply.

If the World Cup were to be hosted at home, given the sheer number of local fans, every match being sold out isn’t impossible. By the time of the finals, tickets would probably be hard to come by, and as usual, scalpers would hike up the prices.

"If our national team performs well in this World Cup, who knows, maybe in 2034, the World Cup might be hosted at home."

Xu Bin expressed his anticipation.

"Huh? Hosting the World Cup at home? When is that?"

Curious, Wen Ruohan, who overheard Principal Ding and the others chatting, asked.

"It’s definitely not happening next time; the next one is already set to be in Europe," Lin Zhirou shook her head and told Wen Ruohan beside her.

"What about 2034?"

Wen Ruohan blinked and asked.

Suddenly, 2034 felt so far away, but time really flies; just like how 2020 felt distant, and now it’s already 2026.

"It’s said we’re actively striving for the 2034 World Cup," Ding Yue smiled and told Lin Zhirou and Wen Ruohan: "I’ve got some info from the Football Association and the General Administration of Sports."

"Wow, really!"

Wen Ruohan was excited upon hearing that.

Suddenly, just as Ding Yue and the others were chatting and waiting for the match to start, there was a wave of cheers from the audience, like a tidal wave.

Ding Yue looked over and saw that the cheers mainly came from the local Mexican audience.

Scanning the Aztec Stadium’s stands, Ding Yue estimated that among the tens of thousands of spectators, about three-tenths were Americans who had come from America to support their team. Given the proximity, it was quite convenient for them.

About one-tenth were overseas Chinese from various parts of the world, as well as domestic fans who traveled to Mexico City just for this match.

The remaining six-tenths were essentially local Mexican fans.

Even though this match wasn’t featuring a Mexican team, it was still held in Mexico. More importantly, it was a highly anticipated clash between Xia Country and America on social media, so naturally, many Mexicans were eager to join in the excitement.

"Yue, look over there, at the section where our domestic fans have gathered."

Huang Youjie pointed to a distance, having spotted the domestic fans over there.

"Hmm, quite a lot of people have come." Ding Yue nodded slightly and then looked toward the field. The cheers weren’t due to the teams appearing, but because a Mexican female singer had taken the stage.

This singer performed a song, and after her performance, the national team and the American team would appear one after the other, waiting for the referee to signal the start of the match.

"This female singer is quite famous; she’s considered a national treasure diva in Mexico."

Xu Bin gave a brief introduction after seeing the Mexican singer appear.

"Who’s more famous compared to Sister Lin?"

Ding Xiaoyou curiously asked.

This made Lin Zhirou feel a bit awkward. Although she was a female singer, she was embarrassed to compare herself to this Mexican national treasure diva.

"Strictly speaking, this Mexican national treasure diva has significant influence in the Western pop music scene, so you also saw that many Americans were cheering for her. As for our Lin Zhirou, she’s on par with her domestically, but internationally, there’s indeed some gap," Ding Yue meticulously answered his sister Ding Xiaoyou’s question.

Indeed.

Lin Zhirou is a diva-level singer domestically, similar in status to this Mexican national treasure diva in their respective countries.

But the difference lies in the fact that.

Lin Zhirou hasn’t ventured into the international market yet and doesn’t have that renowned reputation in the global pop music field. At most, she has a considerable fame in certain parts of Asia, like Korea, Japan, and some Southeast Asian regions. Thanks to her high-quality works, her songs are quite popular in these areas.

However, this Mexican national treasure diva is different. She’s already on the path of becoming an international superstar, though she’s not at the very top yet; she’s still considered an international star.

"Why is that? Sister Lin is so famous at home!"

Wen Ruohan couldn’t understand and asked.

"Hahaha, that’s only domestically. Lin Zhirou hasn’t stepped into the international scene yet. But then again, Lin Zhirou, have you thought about taking our country’s music to the world? The competition would be tougher, but no worries, Feiyue Media will do its utmost to help you improve."

Ding Yue smiled and responded.

Lin Zhirou felt quite moved upon hearing that.

Ever since Lin Zhirou decided to join Feiyue Media, she realized how immense the opportunities it brought were. Every step she’s taken until now, she’s aware that besides her relentless efforts, Feiyue Media’s push has been a significant driving force behind her progress.

"But I think the Mexican female singer’s singing isn’t as good as Sister Lin’s."

Wen Ruohan shared her opinion.

"I think so too." Ding Yue nodded calmly, "Lin Zhirou’s singing skills are truly world-class. The Mexican national treasure diva’s skills are great, but her style isn’t my cup of tea."

"Principal Ding, I’m, I’m not that amazing."

Lin Zhirou felt a bit bashful from Principal Ding’s praise, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Before long.

The performance by the Mexican national treasure diva concluded. She sang three songs, and it was quite lively. One of the songs was her original, and the other two were the promotional songs and theme song for this year’s America-Canada-Mexico World Cup.

With the performance concluded, the official announcement echoed in the stadium, declaring the entrance of the national team and the American team.

The opening match of Group D was finally about to officially start, and the audience began cheering wildly, instantly setting the vibrant atmosphere.