Introduction
With 144 days left until the FIFA World Cup 2026, Mexico City is gearing up to ensure a safer and more satisfying experience for both national and international football fans, according to the city’s head of government, Clara Brugada.
Key Priorities for the World Cup 2026
- Civil protection
- Security
- Establishing Mexico City as a world-class host city
Clara Brugada emphasized that the capital is ready to welcome the football tournament as the world’s first in museums, third in global gastronomy, and top destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Moreover, it aims to solidify its position as the investment capital and the most connected city with over 1,200 daily flights.
“We want to experience a World Cup free of homophobia, racism, classism, xenophobia; free of misogyny and discrimination. We aim to create a feminist, cosmopolitan, vibrant, and fraternal city for entertainment and enjoyment,” stated Brugada.
Public Works in Mexico City for the World Cup 2026
The capital’s government is executing 850 public works projects, which will increase to 1,050 when including interventions by the 21 local governments on 210 sports courts.
Key projects include:
- Improvements around the Estadio Ciudad de México (Azteca Stadium)
- Enhanced services for neighboring colonias
- Improved public space access
- Water collection systems
- Rehabilitation of eight potable water wells
- Green infrastructure
- Pedestrian bridge of Huipulco and vehicular bridges improvement
- Jardín de Lluvia Santa Úrsula implementation
- Urban regeneration and barrio/colonia revitalization
Transportation Improvements for the World Cup 2026
Transportation enhancements include:
- New Line 1 Metro delivery
- El Chapulín trolebús route from Chapultepec to Universidad
- Taxqueña to Xochimilco “El Tren Ajolote”
- “La Ruta de los Animales Silvestres” in Los Pedregales
- “La Ruta de las Heroínas Indígenas”
- Centrobús and Metrobús “Quetzalcóatl” route from the airport to downtown
- Modernization of three Modal Transfer Centers
- Calzada de Tlalpan transformation with the “La Gran Tenochtitlan” cycling path and Parque Elevado
Security Measures in Mexico City
Recent months have seen the installation of 30,000 new CCTV cameras, acquisition of 3,500 new patrol vehicles, intervention of 334 km of safe roads, and installation of 185,000 new streetlights. High-impact crime rates have dropped by 58% from 2019 to 2024 and by 13% in 2025.
Collaboration and Progress
Alongside committee members, Clara Brugada toured the Azteca Stadium and Santa Úrsula area, witnessing crucial technical and logistical advancements for accommodating millions of national and international visitors.
Jürgen Mainka, FIFA México Director, praised the head of government’s leadership and vision in transforming the World Cup 2026 into a project of urban and social transformation, transcending sports and fostering well-being, inclusion, and development for Mexico City.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the main priorities for Mexico City’s preparation for the World Cup 2026?
The priorities are civil protection, security, and establishing Mexico City as a world-class host city with a focus on inclusivity and diversity.
- What public works projects are being undertaken in Mexico City?
There are 850 public works projects, including improvements around the Azteca Stadium, enhanced services for neighboring colonias, green infrastructure, and urban regeneration.
- How is transportation being improved for the World Cup 2026?
Transportation enhancements include new Metro lines, trolebús routes, modernized transfer centers, and cycling paths.
- What security measures are being implemented in Mexico City?
Security improvements include new CCTV cameras, patrol vehicles, safe roads, and streetlights, along with a decrease in high-impact crime rates.
