Banijay Mexico & US Hispanic, part of Banijay Americas, is preparing a new travel documentary series “Tres hinchapelotas” (tentative title) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This roughly translates to “Three fans, one goal.”
The upcoming series, starring three well-known Latinx figures, Jaime Camil (Jane the Virgin), Marcelo Tinelli (Videomatch) and Jorge Enrique Abello (Ugly Betty), will take full advantage of the build-up to the FIFA World Cup, which will be held across North America.
They will explore each city’s “soccer soul”, from restaurants to nightlife to surprises, using all available transportation options, and plan to end their trip in Mexico City.
“This is not your typical travel documentary; it’s an emotional journey through cities, culture and fandom with three Latin showbiz legends who eat and breathe soccer,” said Marie Leguizamo, managing director of Banijay Mexico & US Hispanic. “We can’t wait to take our fans on this epic journey ahead of next year’s World Cup.”
Marie Leguizamo (Courtesy of Mexican and U.S. Hispanic Banijay)
Camil is best known for his role in Jane the Virgin, but he also played legendary mariachi singer and actor Vicente Fernandez in El Rey (Netflix), starred in Broadway’s Chicago, the Apple TV series Schmigadoon, and recently appeared in Steven Soderbergh’s Kimi.
He also frontlines campaigns for major sports brands, brings the energy of Mexican rock band El Tri to audiences around the world, and, like a true soccer fan, never misses an important game.
“This is going to be really epic,” Kamil said. “This series goes beyond the usual aspects of a shared sports experience and offers viewers the opportunity to experience this fascinating and extraordinary journey with us.”
Abello agreed. “Only ideas that involve risk are worth it. When I work with Marie Leguizamo as a producer, I know that I will be taking maximum risks. That’s what drove me to this journey with two great friends!!!”
Colombian-born Abello is best known as Don Armando, the leading character in the most dramatized telenovela in television history. The original Colombian version of Ugly Betty (Yo Soy Betty, La Faire) and its sequel Ugly Betty: The Story Continues (Betty La Faire: La Historia Continua) are both available on Prime Video.
He has appeared in more than 20 television novels, hosted “LOL Colombia” on Prime Video, and wrote the best-selling book “La Despedida,” which is part memoir and part social commentary.
Tinelli, a former sportscaster from Argentina, coached San Lorenzo Soccer Club for nine years, during his tenure the team won its first Copa Libertadores title. He made a name for himself hosting “Video Match,” which evolved into an award-winning sports comedy show that became popular for its bloopers, hidden cameras, and sketches. His production company, Lafria, produces shows such as “Showmatch” and the family documentary series “Los Tinelli,” which is streamed on Prime Video.
Tinelli said: “It’s a great honor and I’m really looking forward to being part of this project. I love soccer, I love traveling and I’m already looking forward to the next World Cup, but I’m very motivated to embark on this beautiful adventure with two great communicators like Jaime and Jorge. These are the kinds of projects that, when they come to you, feel like they’re yours from the first moment.”
