Eva Longoria, the acclaimed Mexican-American actress, is a passionate football advocate, hoping her ancestral homeland, Mexico, triumphs in the 2026 World Cup. She views football as a powerful global unifier, a sentiment she shared during a 25/6 interview with Hola magazine. This discussion coincided with her collaboration on a World Cup campaign for a US fast-delivery company, aimed at enhancing the viewing experience for fans at home.

A long-time football enthusiast, the 51-year-old Longoria is an investor in Mexico's Club Necaxa, where she is affectionately known as "La Patrona". She also co-owns the Angel City FC women's team in Los Angeles with Natalie Portman. For this year's World Cup, Longoria serves on the organizing committee in Los Angeles, one of 11 US host cities. Her role as an official community ambassador for FIFA 2026 focuses on engaging with local culture and communities. She expressed a deep desire for Mexico to excel. "For me, seeing Mexico win would be one of the most emotional moments I could imagine. When Mexico plays, you're not just watching a team. You're seeing the entire culture, history, and people of the homeland present on the world stage", she stated. She believes a Mexican victory would be a moment generations would remember.

Hola highlighted Longoria's strong connection to football and her enthusiasm for the sport's national impact. "Sport connects people. It brings pride, joy, hope, and celebrations everywhere. It's wonderful to witness this", she said. She particularly appreciates the camaraderie among fan groups worldwide, citing the mutual affection between South Korean and Mexican supporters. "It reminds me that the tournament is greater than what happens on the pitch. It creates a community, memories, and moments people never forget", Eva Longoria added. Mexico secured a 1-0 victory over South Korea in a group stage match on 19/6 this year.

Football passion runs deep in Longoria's family. Her husband, Jose "Pepe" Baston, a Latin media mogul, supports Mexico, while their eight-year-old son, Santiago, is a fan of French player Mbappe. This shared enthusiasm fills their home with constant discussions about matches. Longoria shared about Santiago: "He has a rather large collection of jerseys. My son is obsessed with football shirts". She further explained that "sport inspires children, creating dreams and giving them role models to look up to. It also brings families together, and that's what I love".

The actress celebrated her son's eight-year-old birthday on 19/6. Photo: Instagram Eva Longoria.

Born in 1975, Eva Longoria gained fame for her role as Gabrielle Solis in the series "Desperate Housewives" (2004-2012), earning a Golden Globe nomination in 2006. She holds a master's degree in Chicano Studies (research on Latin Americans), which she received in 5/2013 from California State University. Beyond acting, Longoria is a renowned model and social activist. Maxim magazine recognized her as Woman of the Year in 2014, and she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018 for her contributions to Hollywood entertainment. In 3/2024, billionaire Jeff Bezos awarded her the Bezos Courage and Civility Award, valued at 50 million USD, for her community work within the Latin community.

Phuong Thao (according to Hola)