Mexico's women's blind football squad set to debut at Copa America in Brazil
The Chilangas FC women's blind football team will represent Mexico at the inaugural Women's Blind Football American Championship in Brazil, a first for the country.
In Mexico City, blind football players don eye masks and rely on a rattling ball to compete on a five-a-side pitch, where only the goalkeeper sees. Led by coach Wendy del Rio, who previously worked with the men's blind team, the newly formed Chilangas FC provides a rare space for women with visual impairments to play football. The team, comprising athletes such as Paulina "Pau" Hernandez—who lost her sight four years ago—and 20-year-old Alexandra Ramirez, faces obstacles including the absence of a dedicated field, no institutional funding, and societal expectations that limit women's participation in sport.
Despite these challenges, the squad is preparing for its first international appearance at the Women's Blind Football American Championship (Copa America) in Brazil next month. Players hope their participation will break stereotypes, encourage broader inclusion, and give Hernandez the chance to see her son Noel cheer her on from the sidelines.
Why it matters
It highlights the fight for inclusion and visibility of women with disabilities in sport.
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