Spanish actress Ester Expósito has drawn attention for her screen roles and candid comments about following Spain’s national team during the 2026 World Cup. The tournament ran from June 11 to July 19, with matches hosted across Mexico and Canada, as well as the United States. In a recent interview with the Colombian edition of ‘LOS40’, Expósito described the challenge of keeping up with Spain’s campaign from across the Atlantic.
For European viewers, match times created a real scheduling challenge, though Spain’s kickoffs were not all overnight events. Fixture listings put the group-stage matches against Cabo Verde on June 15 and Saudi Arabia on June 21 in Atlanta, both at noon Eastern Time. During Spain’s summer time, that meant a 6 p.m. kickoff on the mainland. Later fixtures against Austria on July 2, Belgium on July 10 and France on July 14 were listed for 3 p.m. Eastern Time, or 9 p.m. in mainland Spain. Matches took place in Atlanta, Inglewood, Dallas and East Rutherford, across North American time zones. Viewing hours so depended on each match’s venue and kickoff.
Expósito said she tries to keep up with Spain’s progress but finds it difficult to watch every match live when kickoffs coincide with sleeping hours. The published results show a 0-0 draw with Cabo Verde, followed by wins over Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France. Spain then beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the July 19 final. With evening kickoffs in Spain and matches played across North America, following the tournament could still require fans to adjust their routines.
In her conversation with ‘LOS40’, Expósito also reflected on a recent visit to Colombia and her fascination with the country’s culture. She praised the salsa dancing she encountered, saying she spent much of her time learning and enjoying the local dance scene. The trip included a memorable diving experience in San Andrés. It left a strong impression and made her want to return.
Her comments come as international sporting events test fans’ dedication across continents. The World Cup’s North American schedule led many European viewers to adjust their routines or rely on delayed broadcasts and result updates. Time zones have shaped public engagement in other recent events, too. For example, the mobilization of civil society in Venezuela after a major earthquake, described in coverage of the Venezuelan earthquake response, showed how timing and distance can affect participation and information flow.
Colombia’s cultural and natural attractions draw Spanish visitors, with salsa a defining part of its identity and San Andrés known for its marine environment. Short visits by Spanish nationals are generally visa-free. Despite the logistical hurdles of international scheduling, the World Cup remained a focal point for Spanish sports fans. For Expósito, as for other supporters, following the team meant balancing the match calendar with everyday life.
