From the Los Pinos Cultural Complex, in a special morning conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo led the official presentation of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The President confirmed that Mexico City will host the opening match of the global tournament on June 11, 2026, at the Estadio Azteca — making Mexico the first country in history to host the World Cup and its opening match for the third time since the competition began in 1930.
“It’s time to witness the best football in the world and to share with everyone who we are — not only a country of immense cultural heritage, but of an empowered people,” said Sheinbaum, announcing that parallel nationwide “mini world cups” will also be held for children, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities.
An estimated 5.5 million visitors are expected to travel to Mexico for the event, she added.
Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Secretary of the Interior, emphasized that Mexico City is ready to host the opening game and that the country has everything it takes to make this World Cup an unforgettable experience.
“There are 213 days left until this great moment that will place Mexico on the international stage once again. This is a new opportunity to showcase the greatness of our country — its pre-Columbian richness and the ancestral ball game that has been part of our identity for centuries,” Rodríguez stated.
She also noted that President Sheinbaum’s administration is preparing for the tournament to become a nationwide celebration, filling streets, plazas, and communities across Mexico.
The Interior Secretary confirmed that a national coordination plan is underway across government agencies and that the event will include not only football, but also cultural and artistic activities designed to make this World Cup a multi-generational celebration.
“We’re not only preparing to welcome the world — we’re preparing to unite it, because sport brings nations together. Let’s make this World Cup a celebration of harmony and peace,” Rodríguez affirmed.
She also highlighted that Mexico will showcase its cultural and culinary richness to visitors.
“The opening match will take place in our beautiful capital, at the iconic Estadio Azteca, with Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara serving as host cities. Visitors will enjoy our vast and rich gastronomy — from birria tacos, pozole, and cabrito, to mole, cochinita pibil, panuchos, tamales, and even zacahuil.”