From the terraces of Mexico 1970 to the stands of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Pina Flores has seen it all — and served through all of it. The Mexico City native has been named the Unsung Hero of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in her home city, recognised for a lifetime of selfless dedication to the tournament.

Flores is now volunteering at her ninth international tournament, a feat that places her in a category of her own. Having served at Mexico 1970, Mexico 1986, and now the FIFA World Cup 2026, she is believed to be the only person in the world to have volunteered at all three editions of the tournament held on Mexican soil. She plans to make it official. "I think I'm the only person in the world to have had the honour of being a volunteer in 1970, 1986 and 2026," she said. "I'm going to apply for a Guinness World Record after this World Cup."

A love story 56 years in the making

Flores traces her passion back to Mexico 1970, the tournament where Brazil were crowned champions and legends such as Pelé, Rivellino, and Jairzinho lit up the stage. "That was a dream come true for us," she recalled. "From that day on, I promised to dedicate myself to volunteering. I have to admit I'm now addicted to it."

That addiction has never faded. For Flores, the role goes far beyond directing crowds or handing out information. It is about community, warmth, and the spirit of Mexico City itself. "The city is completely transformed when the World Cup comes to town," she said. "I go to the market and people see me in my uniform and say: 'You're a volunteer — can I have a picture taken with you?' At this rate, we'll be famous before we know it!"

A surprise tribute she never saw coming

During one of her shifts at the Mexico City headquarters, FIFA staff and fellow volunteers brought activities to a halt to honour Flores with a special tribute. Unaware of what awaited her, she was presented with a miniature replica of the FIFA World Cup Trophy and serenaded with a chorus of "Pina! Pina! Ra-ra-ra!" from her colleagues.

"Luckily, I didn't know there was going to be a big surprise today," she confessed, visibly moved. "I was honoured and touched. I think it was the happiest day of my life, and I'll never forget it."

Eyes on the fans, not the scoreline

True to her character, Flores admits that during Mexico's opening match of the tournament, her focus was never on the pitch. "I wasn't keeping an eye on the score. I was looking at the happy faces of everyone in the stadium. It was pure joy. For me, that alone made the whole World Cup worthwhile."

Though she has pledged that this FIFA World Cup 2026 will be her final chapter as a volunteer, those who know her best remain unconvinced. "Every four years I say, 'That's it for me'," she laughed, "but as I'm addicted, I just keep going and going. But this is definitely my last one, I swear."

FIFA launched the FIFA World Cup 2026 Unsung Heroes project to celebrate volunteers who go above and beyond — those whose courage, selflessness, and determination inspire everyone around them. Flores, without question, stands at the very top of that list.