El Quinto Partido Premieres on Canela.TV - One Nation, One Dream
— The original docuseries, hosted and produced by Julián Gil, explores the obsession, heartbreak, and hope behind Mexico’s quest to break past the elusive "Fifth Match", a milestone that has remained out of reach for decades —
NEW YORK, NY — May 8, 2026 — (NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE) — Canela Media, a leading multicultural media company driven by technology and innovation and home to Canela.TV, the only free Spanish-language streaming app with a fully integrated rewards program, Club Canela, today announced the premiere of El Quinto Partido, an original three-episode docuseries from Canela Deportes, debuting May 14, 2026 with a new episode each Thursday, just before the biggest event in global soccer. The series was produced in collaboration with Latin Sports, a company led by Julián Gil and Andrés López.
Hosted by Julián Gil, El Quinto Partido embarks on a journey through key cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, London, Miami, Madrid, Istanbul, and Milan to explore the obsession, heartbreak, and hope behind Mexico’s quest to break past the elusive “Fifth Match” through compelling stories and exclusive firsthand accounts from soccer legends and iconic figures such as Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera and Raúl Jiménez, among others. El Quinto Partido covers defining moments that marked generations, from the infamous “No era penal” to the matches that brought an entire country to a standstill. At the center is the question fans have asked for decades: why has "El Tri" been unable to move beyond the fifth match at the big event?
“Creating El Quinto Partido has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” said Julián Gil. “This story is about identity, resilience, and a dream that millions of people refuse to give up.”
More than a game
In El Quinto Partido, Julián Gil leads the conversation, exploring the wounds, turning points, and hopes that have shaped the Mexican national team. Players, coaches, and journalists have opened the doors of their homes to share their experiences and memories, speaking candidly about what it truly means to experience the world of soccer from the inside. His ability to listen, connect, and narrate allows these renowned personalities, on and off the pitch, to share their stories with authenticity and depth in every account, bringing audiences closer to the voices that have shaped the history of Mexican soccer.
A story beyond soccer
Legends such as Enrique Borja, who represented Mexico in the world’s most prestigious international soccer tournament in 1966 and 1970; Oswaldo Sánchez, one of Mexico’s most distinguished goalkeepers; and Cuauhtémoc Blanco, among the few Mexican players to score in three editions of the tournament, and former Mexico National Team player David Oteo, reflect on the pride and pressure of representing Mexico on the global stage.
From the sidelines, Ricardo La Volpe and Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera share what it means to lead "El Tri" in defining moments, two cycles in 2006 and 2014, that came within seconds of changing history. Juan Carlos Rodríguez, former commissioner of the Mexican Football Federation, speaks about the reality of Mexican soccer.
The rival’s perspective is also featured through former footballer Maxi Rodríguez, who recalls the decisive moment that marked one of the most painful eliminations for Mexico in the tournament’s history.
The series also features respected sports journalists including Enrique “El Perro” Bermúdez, Adriana Monsalve, Alejandro Berry and Valeria Marín, who provide context and perspective throughout the series.
A dream that unites fans
Today, players like Raúl Jiménez and Santiago Giménez embody the hope of a fanbase that, generation after generation, continues to believe, while others like Carlos “Charly” Rodríguez remain part of the broader journey and recent history of Mexican soccer. Because the “quinto partido” is more than a milestone, it is a shared dream that unites millions.
“This story resonates deeply with every fan,” said Felipe Osorio, SVP of Content Verticals at Canela Media. “It reflects the passion, the anticipation, and the shared dream of millions of soccer fans who come together every four years for the sport’s biggest international stage, united in unwavering hope. This series invites viewers to revisit the moments that shaped a generation of supporters and to believe, once again, that reaching that fifth match is possible.”
El Quinto Partido premieres on May 14, 2026 on Canela.TV as part of Verano de Gloria, a special programming event celebrating the world’s biggest soccer tournament, featuring original content and exclusive segments across Canela Deportes shows including Copados, 100% Futbol, and Idioma Futbol.
Club Canela, Canela.TV’s free rewards program, celebrates the premiere of El Quinto Partido with an exclusive reward. Through a series of soccer-themed challenges and trivia or by simply watching their favorite shows on Canela.TV, registered users in the U.S. and Mexico can earn points which can be redeemed for the chance to win a 75’’ television.
To participate, download the Canela.TV app, create an account, and join Club Canela in the app, completely free. Club Canela is available in the United States and Mexico. Terms and conditions apply. Visit https://canela.tv/clubcanela_terms for more information.
About Canela Media
Canela Media is an innovative media company created to connect Latino audiences with the content they love—free and in Spanish. Through its streaming platform, Canela.TV, viewers can enjoy a wide selection of live and on-demand programming, including original content, music, sports, kids programming, novelas, and classic Golden Age Mexican films.
Canela.TV is the only streaming app with a fully integrated rewards program. Through Club Canela, users earn points and prizes for watching and enjoying their favorite content, creating a more interactive and rewarding viewing experience.
Available across all major streaming devices for TV, web, and mobile, Canela.TV has become a leading destination for free entertainment for Latino audiences in the United States and Latin America combining innovation, culturally relevant content, and an experience designed for today’s viewers.
For more information, visit: http://www.CanelaMedia.com
About Latin Sports
Latin Sports TV is a global sports production company with a presence in Latin America and the United States, recognized for its exclusive access to top-tier sports talent. It creates original content and live broadcasts for television and streaming platforms, connecting audiences around the world with the stories, analysis, and voices of those who live the sport from the inside.
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Michelle Rodriguez
michelle@canelamedia.com