Mexico's World Cup Team Gives Back Luxury Watches From Stevewilldoit

WHO:

Yahoo Sports - Stephen Deleonardis, known as Stevewilldoit, has 1.53 million YouTube subscribers and 3.7 million Instagram followers.

Reddit Sports - Mexico’s World Cup squad, Stephen Deleonardis (known as Stevewilldoit), Obed Vargas

The New York Times - Mexico’s World Cup squad, Stephen Deleonardis (known as Stevewilldoit), Obed Vargas

WHAT:

Yahoo Sports - Mexico has won its four matches in the 2026 World Cup thus far without allowing a goal, defeating South Africa 2-0, South Korea 1-0, Czechia 3-0, and Ecuador 2-0.

Reddit Sports - Mexico’s World Cup squad returned a collection of Rolex watches gifted by Stevewilldoit.

The New York Times - The collection of watches was valued at $1 million, with individual watches ranging from $30,000 to $90,000.

The New York Times - Mexico won their last-32 tie against Ecuador 2-0.

WHERE:

Reddit Sports - The watches were presented at the Mexico squad's training base.

The New York Times - The match against Ecuador took place in Mexico.

WHEN:

The New York Times - The Mexico squad is set to host England in the last 16 at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday.

WHY:

Reddit Sports - The squad decided to return the watches by “mutual agreement” due to FIFA's restrictions on gifts.

The New York Times - Deleonardis explained he gifted the watches after betting $2 million on Mexico to beat Ecuador, which he claimed would yield a $1 million profit.

HOW:

Yahoo Sports - Violating FIFA's gift acceptance rules can result in a fine of at least $12,500 in U.S. dollars (or 10,000 Swiss Franc).

The New York Times - FIFA's Code of Ethics prohibits gifts unless they have “symbolic or trivial value” and states that gifts cannot be offered to influence actions or create conflicts of interest.

Stephen Deleonardis, better known as Stevewilldoit, has amassed a significant following with 1.53 million subscribers on YouTube and 3.7 million followers on Instagram. In a stunning performance at the 2026 World Cup, Mexico has won all four of its matches without conceding a single goal, defeating South Africa 2 to 0, South Korea 1 to 0, Czechia 3 to 0, and Ecuador 2 to 0. Meanwhile, FIFA has issued a reminder that violating its gift acceptance rules could lead to a hefty fine of at least $12,500 in U.S. dollars or 10,000 Swiss Francs.