As an athlete of Mexican descent who won gold for the United States at the Olympics, I know there is a little friction, to say the least, between the US and Mexico.

So I understand that for some it’s hard to embrace the idea that Americans will cheer for their biggest rivals, Mexico, at the World Cup – particularly after the US missed out on this month’s tournament in Russia. But I can see it happening. Let me explain.

The US failure to qualify for the World Cup shocked me because domestic soccer in this country is only growing and getting better, just as it is in Liga MX. Indeed, we’re already starting to see that American fans have begun to embrace the Mexican league. I watched a Mexican domestic game a few weeks back and when the camera panned to the crowd, I saw tons of Americans wearing US colors. And that’s because of the appreciation that supporters here in the United States now have for the game. Fifteen years ago, we didn’t have many soccer fans in America. We didn’t know what the beautiful game was until recently.

But now USA fans now look at soccer on a global scale. They’re not just stuck on supporting the USMNT, they’re taking note of every team, including the Mexicans. They are opening up their eyes and realizing: “Wow, the Mexican team are really good. Why don’t we try and support them?” US fans appreciate passionate, skilled teams – and they like how El Tri play.

And then there’s the huge part Mexican-American and Latino fans play within US soccer. Look at Major League Soccer’s newest club, LAFC. Half of the fans there are of Mexican descent. So the support that MLS has here in the US has a huge part to do with Mexico fans.

Can I see hardcore American Outlaws wearing Mexico shirts this summer? Maybe not just yet, but as long as Mexico play to their undoubted ability anything is possible. Americans love a winner. Imagine the reaction here if El Tri won the World Cup and fans from both sides of the border cheered. So it’s a matter of the respect of the sport and the appreciation that the players are getting better and they’re growing.

If American fans see a great player, if we see a great team, if we see somebody winning a World Cup, we’re going to support them. Even if it is Mexico!

