Football legend Oribe Peralta swaps pitch for kitchen to save fan's day

The surprise substitution was orchestrated by Rexona, the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ substitution boards. The brand launched the initiative after research revealed that 60% of Mexican fans anticipate missing at least one match during the tournament due to work or personal commitments. For Duran, a 25-year-old lifelong football enthusiast, the gesture meant he could witness his national team on home soil rather than watching from behind a kitchen counter.

Peralta, who represented Mexico in previous World Cups, acknowledged the unique challenge of balancing professional duties with the gravity of a home tournament. After spending the day in the kitchen, the former striker joked that his skills remain better suited for the pitch than the restaurant. The campaign aims to highlight the thousands of hospitality workers, drivers, and medical staff whose labor keeps the event moving while they often miss the action themselves. According to Rexona’s survey, nearly 90% of local fans would welcome a similar opportunity to have their role covered so they could experience the tournament firsthand.