With only 500 days left until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, preparations are heating up across Mexico. The country will host the planet's most prestigious football tournament alongside the United States and Canada, featuring matches at three key venues: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
Set to kick off on June 11, 2026, the World Cup will be inaugurated at the iconic Estadio Azteca, which holds the distinction of hosting the opening matches of the tournament twice before, in 1970 and 1986. To accommodate the approaching global event, the stadium is undergoing extensive renovations to increase its capacity from 83,264 to 90,000 seats.
Photos of the renovation efforts have begun circulating, showcasing workers tirelessly remodeling the historic venue. After seven months of construction, the grass pitch is still undergoing changes, with plans to lay new sod. The construction includes creating hospitality zones and upgrading facilities such as dressing rooms and press areas—all aimed at ensuring fans enjoy the best possible experience.
Located just some miles from the capital, the Estadio Azteca is not only expecting crowds for the opening game but also will play host to several other matches as the World Cup event proceeds across 16 cities spanning the three host countries.
Meanwhile, Monterrey is facing all hands on deck as it prepares to host four World Cup games at Estadio BBVA, often referred to as the 'Gigante de Acero.' Alejandro Hütt, the host city manager, expressed confidence about the venue's progress. He noted, "The change most drastically will happen this summer when the Rayados' participation ends; we will start changing the grass for the field and installing a new vacuum and ventilation system." This upgrade aims to deliver world-class pitch conditions certified by FIFA, requiring between eight to ten weeks to complete.
Every day brings fresh enthusiasm within the region. Hütt emphasized the importance of mobility improvements, logistics, and facilitating memorable experiences for both local fans and visitors alike. He stated, "We are still working on daily issues like transport, mobility, and human rights as we prepare for the event. It is not easy but definitely worth every effort!"
Guadalajara is also making strides and focusing on the infrastructure surrounding the Estadio Akron, which is expected to host several matches. The local government is prioritizing transport accessibility to make arriving at the venue as seamless as possible for fans. Governor Pablo Lemus emphasized the need for urban renewal, particularly on the routes leading to the stadium, by adding lanes, bike paths, sidewalks, and streetlights, alongside preparations for Line 5 of public transport.
"We are working on road improvements to facilitate access to the stadium," Lemus detailed, emphasizing the significance of urban enhancement for the World Cup. The goal is to refresh the city's appearance before the world arrives to celebrate the tournament.
With everything happening, excitement is palpable as the countdown continues. The World Cup—already considered one of the largest sporting events globally—is shaping up to be historic, drawing spectators not just from the host nations but from every corner of the globe.
FIFA's official Twitter noted, "The countdown to #WeAre26 is on! There’s only 500 days to go until #FIFAWorldCup 26!" This spirit of anticipation is echoed by local authorities and fans alike as the nation gears up to showcase its passion for football on the world stage.
So, as the inaugural match at Estadio Azteca approaches, preparations are solidifying across Mexico's vibrant cities, each bound to have its special moment during this unprecedented World Cup, uniting fans and players alike on this significant occasion.