Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that the country's major infrastructure projects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are progressing as planned and will be ready for the global tournament.
Key Infrastructure Developments
The federal government is channeling significant resources into modernizing key facilities. The centerpiece of this effort is a 9 billion peso (approximately $489 million) investment into renovating both terminals at the Mexico City International Airport.
Another critical project is the construction of a new train line that will connect the capital to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Santa Lucía, located about 50 kilometers away. This is expected to drastically improve transit for the millions of anticipated visitors.
Tournament Hosting and Economic Windfall
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Mexico is set to host 13 matches, with five games taking place in Mexico City. The cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey will share the remaining eight games.
President Sheinbaum highlighted the event's significance, stating it is a chance to showcase Mexico's cultural richness during a historic moment. The country anticipates an influx of 5.5 million additional visitors across the three host cities, promising a substantial economic impact.
Stadium Upgrades and a Presidential Gesture
In Mexico City, the iconic Azteca Stadium is undergoing private-funded renovations. This venue is set to make history by being the first ever to host three World Cup opening matches.
In a personal and symbolic move, President Sheinbaum revealed she will not attend the opening match on June 11. Instead, she is giving her premium ticket, numbered 00001, to a young female football fan who cannot afford to go. She stated the gesture is to allow a young person to "dream about football." Details on the selection process are still being finalized.
Additional federal projects for Monterrey and Guadalajara are also in the pipeline, with more information expected to be released in the coming weeks.
