Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic, a division of Banijay Americas, is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an upcoming travel docuseries titled “Tres hinchapelotas” (working title), translating to “Three Fans, One Goal.”
The series will be led by three prominent Latino figures—Jaime Camil (“Jane the Virgin”), Marcelo Tinelli (“Videomatch”), and Jorge Enrique Abello (“Ugly Betty”). This series aims to take full advantage of the excitement leading up to the FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across North America.
Their journey will involve exploring “the fútbol soul” of various cities via each possible mode of transportation, delving into local culinary scenes, nightlife, and unexpected discoveries, culminating in Mexico City.
“This will be more than just a typical travel docuseries; it will be an emotional exploration of cities, cultures, and fan communities through the eyes of three Latin entertainment icons who are passionate about fútbol,” stated Marie Leguizamo, managing director of Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic. “We’re thrilled to invite fans on this remarkable adventure as we approach next year’s World Cup.”
Camil, widely known for his role in “Jane the Virgin,” has also portrayed the iconic Mariachi singer Vicente Fernandez in “El Rey” (Netflix) and has made his mark in Broadway’s “Chicago,” the Apple TV series “Schmigadoon,” and Steven Soderbergh’s film “Kimi.”
He has led campaigns for major sports brands and actively brings the vibrancy of Mexican rock band El Tri to international audiences, not to mention he consistently watches crucial soccer matches.
Camil remarked, “This will be something truly magnificent. The series will push beyond standard sports narratives, granting the audience an opportunity to join us on this captivating and extraordinary journey.”
Abello concurred, stating, “Only ventures that entail risk are worthwhile, and collaborating with Marie Leguizamo as a producer guarantees that we will embrace maximum risk. This ignites my passion to embark on this adventure with two dear friends!”
Originally from Colombia, Abello is most recognized as Don Armando, a pivotal character in the original Colombian telenovela “Ugly Betty” (“Yo soy Betty, la fea”) and its sequel “Ugly Betty: The Story Continues” (“Betty la fea: la historia continua”), both streaming on Prime Video.
Having starred in over 20 telenovelas, hosted “LOL Colombia” on Prime Video, and authored the best-selling book “La Despedida,” which combines memoir and social commentary, he has a diverse career.
Tinelli, a former sports commentator from Argentina, was the president of San Lorenzo soccer club for nine years, during which they won their inaugural Copa Libertadores title. He is also known for hosting “Videomatch,” a renowned sports comedy show famous for its blooper reels, hidden camera antics, and sketches. His production company, LaFlia, has produced shows like “Showmatch” and family docuseries “Los Tinelli,” available on Prime Video, among others.
Tinelli expressed, “I’m incredibly honored to be part of this project, and I’m genuinely excited. My passion for soccer and travel drives me, and anticipating the next World Cup is exhilarating. Joining this wonderful journey with two outstanding communicators like Jaime and Jorge is immensely motivating. Projects like this feel like yours from the very first moment they come your way.”
