Official presentation of the FIFA World Cup 2026: A celebration of friendship and cultural grandeur / @Claudiashein @GobiernoMX
#FederalGovernment, #Mexico.- From the emblematic Los Pinos Cultural Complex, known as the “house of the people”, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo officially presented the FIFA World Cup 2026. The President emphasised that the tournament, set to open on 11 June in Mexico City, will be a “global football celebration” filled with joy and unity, serving as a platform to showcase the strong bonds of friendship between Mexico, Canada and the United States. She underlined that it represents an extraordinary opportunity to display the nation’s immense cultural richness and the historic moment being experienced by its empowered people.
The Head of State highlighted that the event is a “moment to share with the world who we are, what Mexico truly is”, noting that the country is not only one of vast cultural heritage but also a nation proud of its roots, its present and its future. Sheinbaum Pardo affirmed that Mexico is ready to welcome the estimated 5.5 million visitors, whose arrival will bring a significant economic benefit to the country. To ensure their reception, Guadalajara, Monterrey and the capital’s two airports — the renovated Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), now connected to the city by train — are fully prepared to handle the expected influx.
Beyond the sporting event itself, the President announced the forthcoming Social World Cup, a series of parallel activities designed to extend the tournament’s impact beyond football. The programme includes the construction of community pitches across the country and the organisation of “Mini World Cups” for young people, children, older adults and persons with disabilities, as well as a variety of tournaments and FIFA FESTS in coordination with FIFA for public enjoyment. In a symbolic gesture, she revealed that she would donate her ticket number 001 to a young girl or female football enthusiast, expressing her wish that the tournament become an inspiration for women to take an active role and dream through sport.
During the presentation, President Claudia Sheinbaum attended an emotional performance by the Folkloric Ballet of the Secretariat of National Defence and watched freestyle exhibitions by male and female FIFA Mexico players. In a heartfelt message to the Mexican National Team, she urged them to reflect on the nation they represent, stating: “Mexico is an extraordinary country with exceptional people, and every time you step onto the pitch, think of that — our history, what we represent, and the great country we are.” Meanwhile, Secretary of the Interior Rosa Icela Rodríguez Velázquez reminded the audience that 213 days remain until the tournament begins, an event that will place Mexico on the global stage to showcase its gastronomy, crafts and biodiversity.
Finally, Gabriela Cuevas Barron, Coordinator of the Government of Mexico’s efforts, highlighted that Mexico is the first and only nation in the world to host three FIFA World Cups, sharing the 2026 edition with the United States and Canada in pursuit of organising the best World Cup in history. She reported that 13 matches will be played in Mexico, across three host cities: Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, with 17 facilities designated as training centres. She also referred to the Comprehensive Security Plan developed with the relevant agencies and Civil Protection authorities, aimed at ensuring safety and transforming the estimated economic impact of between 1.8 and 3 billion US dollars into greater national well-being through “Mexico 2026”, a series of free public events in all 32 states of the country.
#MéxicoNewsTv – México News tv
