With just days until the kick off of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Telemundo is tapping into the power of one of its biggest Super Series names to fuel fútbol fandom. El Señor de los Cielos star Rafael Amaya is getting some skin in the game. The Mexican actor, a lifelong soccer enthusiast, hosts Diarios de Fútbol con Rafael Amaya (Soccer Diaries with Rafael Amaya), a documentary special premiering Saturday, June 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT).
The program isn’t just about the sport. It’s about the people whose lives have been shaped by it. Amaya takes viewers on a journey through Los Angeles, meeting legendary players, passionate fans, community leaders, activists and entrepreneurs whose stories reveal fútbol as culture, family and belonging.
Diarios de Fútbol explores how the passion for the game transcends the field to become a powerful force that connects generations, identities and dreams. The special shines a spotlight on extraordinary individuals and organizations whose lives have been transformed by the game.
“It’s my first time playing journalist, getting more involved with the fans, with the people who are passionate about the World Cup,” Amaya said during an interview with Telemundo. “I’m enjoying it.”
Taking on the role of interviewer, Amaya showcases human stories behind the sport, from Street Soccer USA’s “For the Kids” program to the inspiring journey of Fátima Juárez and Chef X of Komal. His journey also includes revisiting the legacy of the 1994 World Cup with Mexican icon Jorge Campos, exploring the rise of women’s soccer through Angel City FC, tracing the forgotten history of the Los Angeles Aztecs and meeting a superfan who has attended eight consecutive World Cups.
A Full Day of Soccer Programming
The special caps off a day-long celebration of the sport on Telemundo. Coverage begins at 2 p.m. ET with Fútbol USA Pre-Game ahead of the highly anticipated USA vs. Germany international friendly from Soldier Field in Chicago. Adriana Monsalve will provide on-site coverage alongside Andrés Cantor, Omar Zerón, Manu Sánchez and Copán Álvarez. At 2:30 p.m. ET, Cantor will call the match as two soccer powerhouses meet in a marquee showdown.
Following the match, Fútbol USA Post-Game airs at 4:30 p.m. ET with highlights and expert analysis.
At 5 p.m. ET/PT (4 p.m. CT), Telemundo debuts La Antesala, a one-hour World Cup preview special offering fans team information and player profiles ahead of the tournament. Throughout the month-long event, every match will be preceded by a 30-minute pregame show led by the main hosts and commentary team.
All programming will be available on Telemundo, with additional coverage on Universo and Peacock.