With only 500 days left until the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Monterrey is buzzing with excitement and preparations. The city, known for its passion for soccer, will host four matches during this prestigious tournament, marking its second time serving as a World Cup venue since 1986.
Monterrey is set to welcome fans from around the globe to the Estadio BBVA, which will temporarily be rebranded as Estadio Monterrey for the event. The stadium will host three group stage matches on June 14, June 20, and June 24, followed by one Round of 16 match, the date of which is yet to be confirmed. The anticipation is building as the world’s best teams prepare to compete on Monterrey's home turf.
According to Alejandro Hütt, Host City Manager of Monterrey, the city is making ambitious plans for the FIFA Fan Festival at Parque Fundidora. This venue has already seen massive crowds, previously hosting over two million attendees at the Pa’l Norte music festival. Hütt expressed the goal, stating, "El reto de Monterrey, el FIFA Fan Festival, en el Parque Fundidora, tenemos un objetivo para romper el Récord Guinness de las de 2 millones de personas en un fan festival." With this determination, Monterrey is aiming to break Guinness World Records during the festivities.
The World Cup is not exclusively about soccer; it presents Monterrey with invaluable opportunities to exhibit its vibrant culture and rich culinary heritage. Residents and tourists alike are eager to sample local delicacies, such as the famed cabrito (roast goat) and various cuts of meat. Culture enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities, as preparations include music festivals, food events, and the second edition of the Juego de Leyendas—a legendary soccer match.
The comprehensive planning underway reflects Monterrey's commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences for its visitors. The local government and event organizers are working collaboratively to create seamless logistics to manage the expected influx of tourists and soccer fans.
Visitors will be spoiled for choice with Monterrey's impressive range of cultural offerings, from museums and parks to festivals showcasing the region's rich artistic traditions. These diverse experiences are crafted to immerse fans and tourists alike, providing them with memorable insights and connections to the city.
The excitement for the World Cup is palpable; it is set to ignite passion and pride throughout Monterrey. The countdown is officially on as the city gears for this much-anticipated event, showcasing its capabilities as a world-class destination. By the end of 2025, soccer fans will eagerly await confirmation of the teams competing on Monterrey soil, fostering even greater anticipation among the locals and visitors alike.
With less than two years remaining, Monterrey is utterly determined to serve as a remarkable host for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Organizers and residents are joining forces to guarantee the event leaves a lasting impression and places Monterrey firmly on the global map of premier sporting destinations.
From the unforgettable matches to exciting cultural activities, Monterrey is poised to transform this global sports event not just as hosts, but as ambassadors of their vibrant city, fostering connections and memories for years to come.