SAN ANGELO, TX — Kian Francis, a 16-year-old from San Angelo, is one of 12 Cook Children’s Health Care System patients selected to serve as official Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup 2026 flag bearers at the tournament’s opening match.
The teenagers, ages 13 to 17, will carry the national flags of Japan and the Netherlands onto the pitch during the pre-match ceremony June 14 at Dallas Stadium in North Texas.
Cook Children’s was chosen through a partnership between Children’s Miracle Network and Coca-Cola to supply all 12 flag bearers required for the ceremony. Each participant has overcome significant medical challenges.
Francis’ has been in remission for over a year. He listed his favorite thing about Cook Children’s as “the people and popcorn at Goodies to Go."
The group includes brothers Christian Meza and Landon Meza of the Arlington area. Christian learned of his selection while undergoing treatment at Cook Children’s when his mother, Margarita Fuentes, took the call.
“I’m going to the World Cup!” Christian recalled saying. “I’m going to watch some of my favorite players play. It’s just a lot of emotion for me.”
The brothers had dreamed of attending a World Cup match but found tickets unaffordable. Longtime players of the FIFA video game, they are now transitioning from the virtual field to the real one.
The 12 flag bearers signed a commemorative Peeks the Dragon soccer ball June 1 during a “Flag Bearer Signing Day” ceremony in front of family, friends and hospital staff.
Cook Children’s Health Care System, a member of Children’s Miracle Network, receives 100% of funds raised through its corporate partnerships. Officials said the flag bearers represent unity, pride and the global spirit of the game.
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