Mexico City Prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026

Mexico City is gearing up to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and world-class infrastructure. With significant investments in mobility, public spaces, and urban development, the city aims to deliver a tournament that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and reaffirms its status as a global cultural hub.

On Oct. 23, 2024, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada, established the FIFA 2026 World Cup Committee, as Mexico will host alongside Canada and the United States. The committee will meet regularly to coordinate logistics, security, and mobility efforts, with a focus on enhancing urban spaces around the Azteca Stadium, which expects about 6 million visitors.

The committee’s plans include improving connections between the Azteca Stadium, Mexico City International Airport (AICM), Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), hotels, and popular tourist destinations to ensure a smooth experience for visitors.

Mexico City has already taken concrete steps to prepare the city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a particular emphasis on the tourism sector. The city’s cultural wealth and tourist sites will be promoted as key attractions, further solidifying Mexico City’s reputation as a global destination, shared Brugada during the celebration of her 100 days in administration.

“We are preparing for the FIFA World Cup; we will establish the Mexico City Committee to ensure the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the best yet. The World Cup will be an extraordinary opportunity to reaffirm ourselves as a cosmopolitan, vibrant, hospitable, and welcoming city. It will be a tournament that highlights women, celebrates public spaces, and aligns with diversity — free from homophobia and discrimination,” says Brugada.

Brugada says that the World Cup will drive investment, economic benefits, and cultural development for Mexico City. Visitors will have the chance to enjoy a range of activities, from world-class sporting events to exploring the city’s rich heritage and modern attractions.

Upgrades to Airport Infrastructure

To enhance infrastructure on time for the World Cup, the State of Mexico announced on Jan. 22, that the country’s major airports — AICM, Toluca International Airport (AIT), and Cuernavaca International Airport (AIC) — have been selected by FIFA as host terminals for the 2026 World Cup. 

The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) and Grupo Aeroportuario de la Ciudad de México (GACM) signed a contract with FIFA’s subsidiary FWC2026 MÉXICO to carry out a series of aesthetic, functional, and operational renovations at these airports. The goal is to enhance airport efficiency, improve user experience, and ensure safety while boosting air connectivity and fostering local community development.

AICM will receive an investment of MX$8 billion (US$400 million) as part of the 100 commitments from the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum. This investment will be used to modernize the infrastructure without disrupting regular operations. AIT will work to expand its capacity by adding new routes and increasing passenger numbers, while AIC will leverage its strategic location to become a more accessible hub for travelers.

Improving Mobility and Public Transport

As part of the broader preparations for the World Cup, the Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial, and Urban Development (SEDATU) has highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the city’s mobility infrastructure, including significant investments in Mexico City’s Metro and electromobility projects, as previously reported by MBN.

Simultaneously, the 2025 Economic Package allocates significant resources to ensure balanced finances and enhance the capital’s infrastructure. For the 2026 World Cup, mobility initiatives specifically aimed at easing the flow of fans to the Azteca Stadium have received a substantial boost, with nearly MX$7 billion (around US$348 million) allocated for related projects. This represents a 186% increase compared to the previous year’s mobility budget. The integration of the Light Rail with the Cablebus lines and enhancements to public lighting along Tlalpan road aim to provide seamless access to key locations during the World Cup.