Less than a year before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the three Mexican cities that will host the tournament (Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey) are intensifying their preparations with investments in infrastructure, mobility, tourism, and security. Each has outlined specific strategies to welcome thousands of visitors and establish themselves as world-class destinations.
Mexico City: Historic Investment and Complete Renovation
The Mexican capital will be the only city in the world to host three World Cups and, to this end, has allocated more than 6 billion pesos to infrastructure, mobility, sports, and cultural projects.
Strategic Projects
Azteca Stadium
Temporarily renamed Mexico City Stadium, it will host the opening match on June 11, 2026. Its renovation includes modern access points, VIP areas, irrigation technology, connectivity, and renewing the turf with hybrid technology, all with an investment of more than 3 billion pesos.
International Airport (AICM)
8.5 billion pesos are being invested in works to improve runways, terminals, baggage handling systems, and lighting, in addition to the construction of an overpass at Terminal 2 that will facilitate connections to key roads.
Mobility and Urban Planning
This includes the rehabilitation of the El Ajolote Light Rail, the expansion of the trolleybus system, the renovation of Metro lines 1 and 3, and the “La Gran Tenochtitlán” bike path. The Universidad, Tasqueña, and Huipulco Cetram stations will be improved, and road and hydraulic works will be carried out in Santa Úrsula and Huipulco.
Culture, Tourism, and Legacy
The Historic Center will be illuminated along 48 kilometers; emblematic buildings such as Bellas Artes and the Angel of Independence will be dressed in green; and the Zócalo will host Fan Fests with cultural and sporting events and screenings. More than 5 million tourists are expected to arrive. According to the Organizing Committee, these projects not only seek to comply with FIFA requirements but also improve the quality of urban life in the long term.
In the north of the country, Nuevo León is preparing with a comprehensive strategy that combines promotion, public works, citizen participation, and celebration.
Campaign Launch and Official Clock
On June 11, 2025, exactly one year before the start of the World Cup, Governor Samuel García activated the countdown clock during a massive event in Fundidora Park.
Accompanied by Mariana Rodríguez and state officials, he presented the “Ponte Nuevo” campaign, which seeks to project the state as a modern, safe, and vibrant host city. The event included a free concert by Grupo Frontera and the presentation of the official World Cup logo for Nuevo León.
During the event, it was announced that the Metro would be free from 3:00 PM to midnight, and multiple parking lots were set up for easy access. Fundidora Park will also host the FIFA Fan Fest, which is expected to attract more than 2 million attendees.
Infrastructure and Organization
BBVA Stadium (Monterrey Stadium)
The home of the Rayados de Monterrey team will be temporarily renamed Estadio Monterrey. It will host three group stage matches and one round of 16 match on June 29, 2026.
FIFA Trust
The state government created a trust to plan and execute strategic projects related to the World Cup. Although it includes citizen assessments, final decisions rest with the state executive branch. Investments are being made in mobility, urban infrastructure, air connectivity, and tourism promotion.
Tourism and Training
Hotel Overdemand
With more than 21,000 accommodation spaces, a 40% to 60% increase in demand for accommodation is expected. Airbnb and local authorities indicate that small and medium-sized businesses will benefit from the influx of tourists.
Training and Hospitality
Canaco, Canirac, Coparmex, and other business chambers are collaborating with the Ministries of Tourism and Economy to provide English training, improve service practices, and prevent discrimination. The restaurant sector is preparing to serve international visitors, supported by the recognition of several local restaurants in the Michelin Guide.
Tourism
New destinations and attractions such as the La Milarca Museum and the Sealand-Monterrey Aquarium are being promoted, strengthening the state’s cultural and recreational offerings.
Guadalajara: Tourism at its Limits and Urban Renewal
The capital of Jalisco will host four matches, including the second game of the Mexican National Team. It is estimated that up to one million people will arrive in the city for that match alone.
Hotel Capacity and Expansion
Maximum Occupancy
With 32,000 current hotel rooms, the city is projected to be overwhelmed. In response, up to seven more hotels are planned to open by 2026 and a total of 24 new developments by 2028.
The event will be held in Plaza Liberación in the historic center, with screenings, cultural events, gastronomy, and tourist experiences.
Renovation and Cultural Offerings
Akron Stadium
Site of World Cup matches, including one for the Mexican National Team on June 18, 2026. According to authorities, it meets the technical and logistical requirements of the tournament.
Market
The second largest food market in the country will be remodeled as a tourist attraction. The works include renovation of plumbing networks, hydraulic concrete, lighting, and a C4 video surveillance system with more than 200 cameras.
Tourism and Connectivity
Jalisco is promoting itself as a comprehensive destination, with direct routes to more than 30 international destinations, 82,000 state-owned hotel rooms, and attractions such as magical towns and Puerto Vallarta. The state government’s intention is to position Guadalajara as a sports and cultural tourism destination.
Thus, Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey seek to leave a lasting legacy. From urban infrastructure to cultural and technological experiences, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be an event that will redefine Mexico’s image on the global stage.
Source: eleconomista
