Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic is igniting the fervor for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an exclusive new travel docuseries, “Tres hinchapelotas,” bringing together three beloved Latino entertainment titans – Jaime Camil, Marcelo Tinelli, and Jorge Enrique Abello – for an unparalleled journey through the heart of soccer culture in North America. This series promises a deep dive into the sport’s spirit, blending celebrity charm with authentic fan experiences.
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a star-studded adventure, as Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic, a prominent division of Banijay Americas, prepares to launch an exciting new travel docuseries titled “Tres hinchapelotas.” The show, which translates roughly to “Three Fans, One Goal,” aims to immerse audiences in the vibrant soccer culture of North America, where the next global tournament will unfold across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This strategic move by Banijay leverages the immense passion for fútbol in the region, bringing together a powerhouse trio of Latino celebrities known for their deep connection to the sport and their massive fan bases.
The Star-Powered Lineup: Three Icons, One Shared Passion
At the heart of “Tres hinchapelotas” are three household names in Latin entertainment, each bringing their unique charisma and genuine love for soccer to the screen:
- Jaime Camil: Known globally for his role in “Jane the Virgin,” Camil’s versatility spans from portraying iconic figures like Vicente Fernandez in Netflix’s “El Rey” to Broadway and Apple TV series. His passion for soccer is well-documented, making him an ideal guide for this fan-centric journey.
- Marcelo Tinelli: An Argentinian media mogul and former sportscaster, Tinelli’s history with soccer runs deep, including a nine-year tenure as president of the San Lorenzo soccer club, leading them to their first Copa Libertadores title. His groundbreaking show “Videomatch” and subsequent productions like “Showmatch” solidified his status as a television legend.
- Jorge Enrique Abello: Best recognized as Don Armando in the global phenomenon “Ugly Betty” (“Yo soy Betty, la fea”) and its Prime Video sequel, Abello is a celebrated Colombian actor with over 20 telenovelas to his credit. His adventurous spirit, as quoted in a Variety exclusive, is a driving force behind the series.
“This isn’t your typical travel docuseries, it’s an emotional ride through the cities, cultures and fandoms with three Latin showbiz legends who eat and breathe fútbol,” stated Marie Leguizamo, managing director of Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic. This sentiment underscores the series’ commitment to capturing the authentic pulse of soccer culture.
Exploring the ‘Fútbol Soul’ Across North America
The premise of “Tres hinchapelotas” is as dynamic as its hosts. Using various modes of transport, Camil, Tinelli, and Abello will traverse different North American cities, uncovering the unique “fútbol soul” of each location. Their exploration will extend beyond stadiums, delving into local restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and unexpected cultural surprises, all culminating in a grand finale in Mexico City.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks a significant moment for soccer in the region. This extensive, tri-national hosting arrangement provides an unprecedented backdrop for a series focused on the sport’s cultural impact. Fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the tournament’s return to North American soil, a sentiment that “Tres hinchapelotas” aims to amplify by showcasing the deep-rooted passion for the game, as highlighted by official tournament information available on FIFA’s official website.
Banijay Americas: A Content Powerhouse Behind the Scenes
The launch of “Tres hinchapelotas” is a testament to the extensive reach and production capabilities of Banijay Americas. As a division of Banijay, the world’s largest producer and distributor of international content, Banijay Americas boasts 10 different production labels across North America and Latin America, creating award-winning content in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Its studios include well-known entities like Endemol Shine North America, Bunim/Murray Productions, and Endemol Shine Boomdog, alongside Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic.
Under the leadership of Chairman Cris Abrego and CEO Ben Samek, Banijay Americas has delivered a string of successful series across various genres. Their Spanish-language successes include popular shows like “Mira Quién Baila” (Univision) and “LOL: Last One Laughing” (Amazon), demonstrating their expertise in catering to the diverse tastes of the Americas. This deep understanding of regional audiences positions Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic perfectly to capture the essence of a continent united by its love for soccer. The detailed structure and successful productions of the broader Banijay Americas network are outlined on the official Banijay corporate website, showcasing their strategic approach to global content.
The excitement from the hosts is palpable, with Jaime Camil calling it “something truly majestic,” and Marcelo Tinelli expressing his honor and eagerness to embark on this “beautiful adventure with two great communicators.” As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws closer, “Tres hinchapelotas” is poised to offer fans not just a travelogue, but an authentic, emotional connection to the global game through the eyes of three legends.
