arts
11-year-old boy who overcame cancer gets exciting sendoff for Uruguay-Saudi Arabia World Cup match
By Matthew Garcia at WSVN 7 News
· June 15, 2026
· 2 min read
An 11-year-old boy who successfully beat cancer got an exciting sendoff before getting to see his dream team in the World Cup. Adrian Echazu is a soccer fanatic and a massive fan of Uruguay. After being surprised with tickets on June 9 to see Uruguay’s opening match against Saudi Arabia at Miami Sta
Key takeaway After being surprised with tickets on June 9 to see Uruguay’s opening match against Saudi Arabia at Miami Stadium, he’s calling the feelings he’s experienced for match day a dream come true.
Why this matters in The Miami
The outpouring of support for Adrian Echazu, an 11-year-old cancer survivor and Uruguay soccer fan, is a testament to Miami's strong sense of community. As a hub for Latin American and Caribbean communities, Miami is home to many passionate soccer fans, and Echazu's story has resonated deeply. The Ronald McDonald House's generous gift of World Cup tickets and the surprise Lionel Messi collectible card have turned a dream into a reality for this young boy. Miami's diverse neighborhoods, such as Little Havana and Wynwood, are known for their vibrant cultural scenes, and the World Cup has brought people together in celebration. For Echazu and his family, who traveled from Colombia to Miami for life-saving treatment, this experience is a poignant reminder of the city's role as a haven for those seeking medical care and a fresh start.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 15, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? An 11-year-old boy who successfully beat cancer got an exciting sendoff before getting to see his dream team in the World Cup. Adrian Echazu is a soccer fanatic and a massive fan of Uruguay. After being surprised with tickets on June 9 to see Uruguay’s opening match against Saudi Arabia at Miami Sta
When was this published? This article was first published on June 15, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Matthew Garcia at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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