The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is well underway, and the anticipation is electrifying on both sides of the border. With just 196 days remaining until kickoff, Mexico and the United States are racing against the clock, rolling out ambitious infrastructure projects and community initiatives that promise to transform the landscape of soccer—and urban life—for years to come.
In Mexico, the federal government, alongside state and city officials, is making a historic investment in mobility and public transportation across its three host cities: Ciudad de México, Jalisco, and Nuevo León. Each region will receive between 1.5 and 2 billion pesos, up to US$110 million, earmarked for projects that will not only facilitate the movement of millions of fans during the tournament but also leave a lasting mark on daily life. President Claudia Sheinbaum, speaking at a recent morning conference, reaffirmed the government’s commitment: “I made a commitment with them (…) that there was going to be a contribution from the Government of Mexico, between 1.5bn and 2bn pesos for each entity. (…) This year we were no longer able to fulfill the commitment, but we will be fulfilling it for next year.”
Gabriela Cuevas, the federal coordinator for the 2026 World Cup, put the timeline in perspective, reminding the nation that there are less than 200 days to go and only four months until the playoffs. “Mexico will once again make history as World Cup host for the third time,” she declared, capturing the pride and urgency fueling these preparations. The strategy, Cuevas explained, is to ensure that the global spectacle of the World Cup translates into local benefits—upgrading infrastructure, boosting culture, enhancing security, and strengthening civil protection.
Ciudad de México, already a bustling metropolis, is seeing over 70 permanent works come to life. Head of government Clara Brugada showcased a sweeping vision: the comprehensive renovation of Metro Line 1, new electromobility routes, the El Chapulín Trolleybus, the El Ajolote Light Rail, and a network of new bike lanes and parking lots. Road improvements around the iconic Estadio Ciudad de México aim to ease congestion, while 30,000 security cameras and 3,500 new patrol cars are set to bolster public safety. The expansion doesn’t stop there—sports, tourist, and cultural infrastructure will all receive a facelift, ensuring the city is ready for fans from around the globe.
In Jalisco, excitement is mounting as Governor Jesús Pablo Lemus announced that the state will host four matches and two playoffs. Guadalajara’s stadium has undergone a remarkable transformation, now boasting FIFA Quality Pro certification and improved accessibility, connectivity, and safety. The city’s plans are nothing short of festive: a 39-day FIFA Fan Festival, the rehabilitation of 270 soccer fields, and new road projects are all on the agenda. Progress on Metro Line 5, which will link with Mi Macro and the Electric Route, is well underway, and Line 4 is set to launch operations on December 15, 2025—just in time for the influx of visitors.
Nuevo León is not to be outdone. Governor Samuel García has unveiled 34 strategic projects directly tied to the World Cup. Among them: the construction of new Metro Lines 4 and 6, modernization of Lines 1 and 4, the addition of 4,000 buses and 500 new stops, and a major expansion of the Fuerza Civil police force, including new air and land equipment. The region is also investing in parks, green corridors, the expansion of Parque Fundidora, and the creation of a sprawling 100-hectare Parque del Agua. Connectivity projects, such as the modernization of Aduana Colombia and the airport, are set to streamline travel for both locals and international guests.
Officials across all three states are quick to emphasize that these investments are about more than just the World Cup. They aim to leave a legacy—better mobility, enhanced safety, and improved public spaces that will benefit millions long after the final whistle blows. The hope is that the tournament will serve as a catalyst, accelerating projects that might otherwise have taken years to materialize.
Meanwhile, north of the border, the United States is preparing for its first World Cup since the legendary 1994 event in Pasadena. The return of the world’s biggest sporting spectacle is stirring up excitement, but also a fair share of anxiety. The soccer calendar is more crowded than ever, with players juggling club seasons, a revamped Champions League format, World Cup qualifiers, and even the Winter Olympics and Africa Cup of Nations at the start of 2026. The risk of injuries and fatigue looms large, and clubs are understandably concerned about their stars arriving in peak condition.
Yet, beyond the elite level, the World Cup is sparking a grassroots revolution—especially in New York City, where soccer has long struggled for accessible infrastructure. The ‘26 by 26’ initiative, launched by New York City FC in partnership with then-mayor Eric Adams, is a game-changer. The program’s goal is straightforward but ambitious: install 26 mini soccer pitches across the city’s five boroughs by 2026. The first pitch at P.S. 211 opened on June 2, 2025, with Adams declaring, “Today we are opening the first of 26 new mini soccer pitches across the city as part of the revitalized New York City Soccer Initiative, to help young people connect with soccer in communities that have been neglected for too long. We are making Queens the home of soccer in the United States, and we look forward to welcoming the world to our city for the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
Deputy Mayor Ana J. Almanzar echoed the sentiment, highlighting the power of soccer to unite New Yorkers: “The opening of a new field at P.S. 211 represents an important step forward in our mission to create safe and inclusive spaces where young New Yorkers can play and grow.” Brad Sims, CEO of New York City FC, added, “We have created the largest urban soccer network in the country, and today’s ribbon-cutting is a moment of great pride as we open the first of the next 26 mini fields in celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
The need for accessible street soccer is clear. Historically, the sport has been seen as a white elitist activity in the US, confined to pay-to-play clubs and schools, limiting multicultural participation and technical development. Community leaders like Sam Kerr and Gerhard Stochl, founders of grassroots soccer clubs, have spoken about the challenges of finding fields and building inclusive communities. Lev Rosenbush of Bowery FC and members of Wavy Footy have pointed out that the ‘26 by 26’ initiative aims to change this, welcoming a new generation of players inspired by the World Cup.
Politics, too, is never far from the pitch. From Eric Adams’s early support to Donald Trump’s use of soccer as a tool of soft power and the recent election of Zohran Mamdani—an outspoken football fan and critic of FIFA’s ticket pricing—the sport is increasingly intertwined with American political life. The 2025 Club World Cup, seen as a dress rehearsal for 2026, exposed logistical and climate challenges, but also underscored the country’s readiness to embrace the beautiful game on a grand scale.
As the clock ticks down, both Mexico and the United States are pushing forward, determined not just to host a world-class event, but to spark lasting change. Whether it’s new metro lines in Monterrey or mini pitches in the Bronx, the legacy of the 2026 World Cup is already taking shape—one project, one community, one kick at a time.
