Mexico to Host the World Cup Inaugural Match

Mexico to Host the World Cup Inaugural Match. Gabriela Cuevas, Mexico's Representative for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noted that Mexico will be the first country to host the tournament for a third time. Minister of the Interior Rosa Icela Rodríguez confirmed that the inaugural match of the 2026 World Cup will be held at the Ciudad de México Stadium in Mexico City, one of the three host cities in the country, along with Monterrey and Guadalajara.

Cuevas detailed that in coordination with FIFA, 17 additional sports facilities in Mexico have been included in the official catalog as potential training venues. She also announced that Fiestas México 2026, which are free public events for broadcasting the matches, will be held, and that the tournament is expected to significantly increase tourism.

Regarding financial aspects, President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that her government will respect the fiscal commitments made between the Ministry of Finance (SHCP) and FIFA. The SHCP held meetings with FIFA representatives to review and define the tax and customs measures that will apply to companies involved in the event, ensuring compliance with Mexican law and honoring the agreements established during the Peña Nieto administration.

Jürgen Mainka, Executive Director, FIFA Mexico, stated that over 800,000 people are expected to attend the 2026 World Cup matches held in the three participating Mexican stadiums. He also estimated that the global broadcast of the tournament will reach more than 6 billion viewers.