For 12-year-old Andres Lopez Pacheco, soccer has always been more than a game. It has been a source of hope, inspiration and joy throughout a lifetime of medical challenges.
On June 15, Make-A-Wish Arizona turned that passion into reality by granting Andres its historic 9,000th wish since the organization was founded in 1980.
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The Phoenix boy, who was born with a complex congenital heart condition that left him with only one functioning ventricle, will travel to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to watch the FIFA World Cup 26™ match between Panama and England on June 27, 2026.
The milestone wish was celebrated at the Parsons Wish House in Scottsdale, where Andres was surprised with a custom Make-A-Wish Arizona soccer jersey commemorating the organization’s 9,000th wish, along with World Cup-themed gifts to mark the special occasion.
For Andres, the experience represents much more than attending one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Throughout his life, he has undergone four open-heart surgeries while demonstrating remarkable resilience. Although his heart condition has prevented him from playing soccer competitively, it has never diminished his love for the game.
Inspired by his older cousins, Andres spends countless hours watching professional matches, playing soccer video games and following his favorite national teams, Portugal and Mexico. He admires the dedication and discipline displayed by elite athletes and dreams of witnessing the excitement of international soccer in person.
His upcoming World Cup trip will make that dream a reality.
The celebration also highlights the broader mission of Make-A-Wish Arizona, which has granted life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses for more than four decades. Research has shown that wish experiences can improve emotional well-being, reduce stress and provide families with lasting memories during difficult medical journeys.
The milestone comes as the nonprofit launches its annual Summer of Wishes campaign, an ambitious effort to raise $1 million to grant 100 wishes in 100 days. Summer is traditionally the organization’s busiest wish-granting season, but also one of its most challenging fundraising periods.
Despite reaching the remarkable milestone of 9,000 wishes granted, the need remains significant. More than 500 Arizona children are currently waiting for their wishes to come true.
For Andres and his family, however, the countdown has already begun.
Soon, the young soccer fan who has spent years cheering from his living room will take his seat among thousands of fans at one of the world’s biggest sporting events—a once-in-a-lifetime experience made possible by an organization that has spent more than 45 years turning hope into reality for Arizona children.
