Mexico Fast-Tracks Mobility for 2026 FIFA World Cup

With less than 200 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico is accelerating an unprecedented wave of infrastructure, mobility, security, and urban transformation projects across its three host cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that the federal government will allocate between MX$1.5 billion (US$81.7 million) and MX$2 billion (US$108.95 million) to each host state to strengthen public transportation and mobility networks ahead of the tournament.

The investment aims not only to ensure a successful World Cup, but to leave a long-term legacy of social and urban improvement.

A National Commitment to Mobility and Legacy

Sheinbaum confirms that federal contributions will focus on critical public transport systems: Metro Line 2 in Mexico City; Lines 5 and 4 in Jalisco; and Lines 4 and 6 in Nuevo Leon. Although the resources could not be delivered in 2024 as planned, Sheinbaum stated they will be fulfilled in 2025.

Gabriela Cuevas, Federal Coordinator, World Cup, emphasizes that Mexico is transforming the global football event into local well-being, with actions spanning infrastructure, culture, safety, and civil protection. “Mexico will once again make history as a three-time World Cup host, building a legacy for future generations,” says Cuevas.

Mexico City

Mexico City will become the only city in the world to inaugurate a World Cup for the fourth time. Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada presented an ambitious portfolio of more than 70 permanent works, declaring the 2026 tournament will be defined by equality, human rights, and zero discrimination.

Key projects include:

• Comprehensive renovation of Metro Line 1

• New electromobility corridors, including the “Chapulin” Trolleybus and the “Ajolote” Light Rail line

• A new electric route connecting the Pedregales area to Huipulco

• A renovated Calzada de Tlalpan with a protected cycleway, Mexico City’s first elevated linear park, and improved underpasses

• Three new bike parking hubs at major transfer centers

• Upgraded access to the Banorte Stadium and improved connections from AICM and AIFA

• Ten renovated tourist routes and illuminated streets in the Historic Center

• 334km of “Safe Paths,” 185,000 new streetlights, 30,000 cameras, and 3,500 new patrol cars

• Rehabilitation of 500 football pitches, 600,000m² of public spaces, and construction of 10,000 social housing units

The city also plans massive cultural festivities, including 30 fan festivals, a national parade of Indigenous cultures, and attempts to break two Guinness records: the largest football class (Feb. 22) and the longest crowd wave (May 31).

Brugada highlights that the World Cup will elevate Mexico City’s global image while delivering lasting improvements to mobility, safety, and quality of life.

Jalisco

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus has presented a plan focused on mobility, tourism, and legacy for Guadalajara, which will host four World Cup matches and two playoff games. The state expects between 2.5 million and 3 million visitors and has prepared 90,000 hotel rooms.

Major preparations include:

• Remodeling Estadio Guadalajara with FIFA Quality Pro turf, enhanced access, improved Wi-Fi, and a sensory room

• Completion of Metro Line 4 on Dec. 15, connecting Tlajomulco to central Guadalajara

• Advancement of Metro Line 5, a new electromobility corridor linking the airport to downtown and Expo Guadalajara

• MX$2.6 billion renovation of the Chapala Highway to enhance airport access with wider lanes, sidewalks, a bike path, and improved lighting

• Urban upgrades at La Minerva, including safer pedestrian crossings

• 270 refurbished football pitches across all municipalities

• The 39-day FIFA Fan Festival at Plaza Liberación

• Free concerts by Maná and Alejandro Fernández

• A Guinness record attempt for the longest children’s ball-passing relay

Guadalajara is also positioning itself as an innovation hub through “Startup Building” events and live research labs at local universities. Authorities estimate the World Cup could inject between US$5 billion and US$7 billion into the state economy and create over 40,000 jobs.

Nuevo Leon

In Nuevo Leon, Governor Samuel García has announced 34 strategic projects under the banner “Ponte Nuevo, Ponte Mundial,” designed to modernize Monterrey’s mobility, public spaces, and security infrastructure. The state will host key matches in March (playoffs) and June.

Central initiatives include:

• Construction of Metro Lines 4 and 6, which will double Monterrey’s rail network from 38km to more than 80km, forming the longest monorail system in the Americas

• Modernization of Metro Line 1

• Introduction of 4,000 new sustainable buses and 500 upgraded stops

• Expansion of highways connecting the city with Saltillo, the Texas border, and Monterrey International Airport, which is planning a second runway

• Strengthening water resilience with wastewater treatment expansions and the new Rompepicos Dam

• Major security upgrades: a new Fuerza Civil headquarters, seven police divisions, a Black Hawk helicopter, nine additional helicopters, armored Black Mambas, and 16 new police outposts

• Renovation and expansion of Parque Fundidora, the future home of a large-scale Fan Fest

• A new 100ha Water Park and pedestrian corridors linking stadiums to fan zones

• Reforestation of 800,000 trees and development of multiple new parks, including Presa La Boca and Cerro La Silla

• Construction of 500 new school sports fields

• Expansion of the Colombia Customs crossing, the La Gloria–Colombia Highway, and the state airport

Monterrey is also developing a “FIFA Corridor” to link public spaces and tourist attractions through pedestrian-friendly, cyclist-friendly, and transit-oriented design. Investments in hotels, cultural areas, and sustainability aim to position the city as a global destination well beyond 2026.

Sheinbaum states that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is an opportunity to “build a legacy that endures far beyond the tournament, one that strengthens cities, communities, and national identity for generations to come.”