Grassland teenagers step onto soccer's biggest stage

The roar of tens of thousands of spectators rolled across Mexico City Stadium on June 11 local time, shortly before the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off, as six Chinese teenagers took part in the entrance ceremony in a moment they had once only imagined from home.

At the players' tunnel, Hao Xuan, Gao Haokai, Lyu Yuchen, Bao Wenbo, Cui Xiaofei and Liu Nandifu stood on both sides of the entrance, holding the FIFA flag. In the bright glare of the stadium and in front of a global audience, the students from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region looked composed beyond their years.

Selected from campus soccer players across the region through a flag bearer program organized by Mengniu, an Inner Mongolia-based dairy company and the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the six were stepping onto soccer's biggest stage for the first time.

"I used to watch the World Cup only on television. I never thought I would one day stand on the pitch," said Bao, 17, from Hailar No 1 Middle School in Hulunbuir. "It has been my dream since childhood to be part of it, no matter what role I played."

Bao's story reflects the journey of the six young athletes, all of whom emerged from Inner Mongolia's grassroots soccer development system. As China's first pilot province-level region for soccer reform and development, Inner Mongolia has made campus soccer a foundation for the sport's growth.

With policy support and continued investment, the region has strengthened the youth soccer chain, from building and renovating standard pitches to training coaches and organizing regular competitions. Parents of the young flag bearers said the change has been visible, giving their children more chances to compete and a stronger soccer atmosphere in which to grow.

"This is not just a trip, but a chance for them to see the world through soccer," said Shi Chunguang, assistant vice-president of Mengniu. "Standing on the sport's biggest stage can give these children confidence and a broader vision that no classroom can provide."

On the day of rehearsal, the six teenagers set out at 5 am and stood in the stadium for eight full hours. They had to push through jet lag, fatigue and language barriers. During breaks, they exchanged thoughts about soccer with peers from Mexico and South Africa, using simple English and gestures as they compared the soccer cultures of their countries.

Gao, 17, from No 4 Middle School of Baotou, was attending winter training when he learned he had been selected. To present his best self to the world, he began what he called "personal image management" — working out and paying closer attention to his diet.

"Since I've made it to this stage, I have to do my best," he said.

The most nerve-racking moment came when the entrance ceremony officially began. Gao was the first in his group to walk out. But the moment he stepped from the players' tunnel onto the stadium turf, his nervousness gave way to pride.

"I felt that I was not only representing myself, but also my hometown and my country, while showing the world what young Chinese soccer players are like," he said.

Cui, 15, from Tianshan No 6 Middle School in Ar Horqin Banner, Chifeng, has been taller than most of her peers since childhood. She was noticed by the school team coach and began more systematic training. Over time, she found herself falling in love with soccer.

"My family, coaches and friends all hoped I would broaden my horizons, and they had great expectations for this opportunity," Cui said.

On WeChat and Douyin, her feeds were filled with messages of encouragement and congratulations from relatives and friends.

"They couldn't come, so I'll see it for them," she said.

On the World Cup's opening stage, the six teenagers from the grasslands made a brief but shining appearance. What they held high was not only the FIFA flag, but also a newly visible possibility for countless young soccer players behind them.