Meet the Mesquite twins having the World Cup experience of a lifetime
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The Villarreal twins grew up watching soccer in Mexico. They are now representing their family and friends on the international stage. Photo: Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Carla and Alejandra Villarreal are accustomed to the synchrony of life as twins — but this World Cup has been a whole new ballgame for the second-grade teacher and financial analyst from Mesquite.
Why it matters: The Villarreal twins have served as flag bearers for every World Cup match at Dallas Stadium so far, standing next to the teams they grew up watching on TV.
How it happened: After volunteering at races, book conventions and other events for years, the sisters decided to try their luck with the World Cup.
- They earned their spots after several rounds of interviews. Getting assigned to Dallas Stadium's ceremonies team and then landing the same role as flag bearers was like winning the lottery, they tell Axios.
- "I could hear my dad's voice, like 'If you don't ask, it's an automatic no.' So we're like, 'Wouldn't it be cool to have twins hold the flags?'" Carla tells Axios.
The intrigue: When Dallas Stadium hosts a match, their proud parents tune in from their hometown of Monterrey, Mexico. Their Dallas friends who don't care for soccer have been tuning in as well.
- The Argentina flag was Carla's favorite — the flag of the defending World Cup champions, she says.
- Alejandra says holding the Japan flag was extra special for her because she has obsessed over Japanese culture for most of her life.
How it works: While there are other flag bearers on the field before kickoff, the Villarreal sisters are responsible for the flags that flank the teams during introductions.
- They attended several rehearsals, learning how to carry the flags properly and synchronizing their walking with the help of a captain and other volunteers.
Yes, but: Volunteering with FIFA doesn't guarantee a seat at the stadium. The sisters have only stayed to watch some of the group stage matches, depending on capacity.
- Sometimes, they leave after kickoff and watch the match from home.
What they're saying: "[The players] are people that have worked hard to get where they are — standing there with them and hearing everybody singing their anthems is just very, very emotional," Carla says.
- "We've seen soccer games from the stands many times, but to actually be on the field is something else. It's very special," Alejandra adds.
What's next: They hope to get the same opportunity in the stadium's knockout matches, which begin Tuesday.
- And, they're already talking about volunteering at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.