Eduardo Amaya was 15 years old when he first volunteered at a FIFA World Cup. More than five decades later, he is back — and this time, his wife is alongside him.

The 71-year-old Monterrey native is serving on the Access Management team at Monterrey Stadium during the FIFA World Cup 2026, completing a remarkable personal journey that began at the 1970 edition of the tournament. His wife, Verónica Bracho, is also part of the volunteer community — stationed at Monterrey International Airport — and was the driving force behind the couple's decision to apply together.

A teenager at the Azteca

In 1970, Amaya was one of six friends invited to assist journalists in the press area at what was then known as the Estadio Azteca. The responsibilities were modest but the memories were lasting.