A youth soccer team from Tijuana remains stranded in Colombia after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit the country. The Leyendas Obeliz squad, made up of children, won an international futsal tournament in Armenia before the disaster upended travel plans.
Earthquake disrupts travel for Mexican youth team
The quake killed 132 people and injured 570, prompting Colombian authorities to declare a national emergency. Airports and transportation networks suffered damage, making it difficult for the team to leave. Coach Juan described their situation as “complicated” in a video message.
“We’re trapped here in Armenia,” he said. “We don’t know what will happen with our flights or how long we’ll be stuck. The federation had arranged everything, but the earthquake changed all that.”
The squad traveled to Colombia for the International Kids Cup, a futsal tournament held August 5–8 at the Coliseo del Café. Leyendas Obeliz won the championship before the earthquake forced them to cut celebrations short.
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Team appeals for help to return home
With flights delayed or canceled, the team has turned to social media for support. They posted videos of the group, hoping to raise money for lodging and new plane tickets to Tijuana. No clear timeline exists for when commercial flights will resume.
Airport closures and damaged infrastructure have left many travelers, including the young athletes, unable to depart. The team’s director said they don’t know if their original flights will still be valid or if they’ll need to book new ones. “We just need help getting home,” he said.
Local authorities in Armenia haven’t offered specific guidance for foreign travelers, but the national emergency suggests disruptions could continue for days. The team’s predicament reflects the challenges tourists and athletes face during natural disasters abroad.
Extended delays might force the squad to find temporary housing. Families in Tijuana have voiced concern, though no injuries were reported among players or staff. Tournament organizers haven’t commented on the team’s situation.
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Similar disruptions have affected youth sports teams before. In 2017, a group of American high school students was stranded in the Bahamas after Hurricane Irma, requiring coordinated evacuations. Natural disasters often leave travelers searching for solutions, particularly in areas with limited resources.
The team’s appeal for help coincides with ongoing recovery efforts in Colombia. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors, and officials warn aftershocks may hinder relief work. For now, the Leyendas Obeliz players wait for a way back.
Evicted contestants sometimes face unexpected returns to competitions, much like this team’s uncertain path home.
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