Mexico City is gearing up to welcome more than 5 million fans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where opening match will be played.
During a presentation on Wednesday, Minister Rosa Rodriguez said Mexico’s government and city authorities are working together to ensure that the tournament is safe and smooth
The top football tournament will be held in Mexico, the United States and Canada, marking the first time that 3 countries will co-host the event.
3 of the 16 venues will be in the Latin American nation, with the central city of Guadalajara and Monterrey sharing Mexico’s host duties with the capital.
11 other venues will be in the United States and 2 in Canada.
The Azteca Stadium, which has hosted 2 FIFA World Cup finals, is on track to be renovated by the time the whistle blows for the opening match on June 11, according to organizers.
More than $100 million is being invested in the stadium, its general director Felix Aguirre said, promising that it will be ready soon
The renovation triggered controversy when the venue was renamed after the Bank that funded the work.
FIFA then ordered the stadium to be referred to as Mexico City Stadium because of its branding rules.
Addressing security concerns in a country plagued by criminal violence, Mexico City Mayor, Clara Brugada said 40,000 new security cameras would be acquired, bringing the total to 123,000.
Organizers called for a World Cup free of homophobia, racism and other attacks on civil liberties.
FIFA has repeatedly sanctioned Mexico for homophobic chanting by its fans in stadiums.
Editor: Ken Eseni
