Introduction
During a recent visit to a northern airport, I had a thought that has since resonated in my mind: “Half the world will pass through Mexico during the 2026 World Cup.” This simple yet powerful thought has confirmed that the World Cup will not only be played on the field but also in every space that allows visitors to arrive, move, rest, and celebrate.
The World Cup Experience: Beyond the Stadiums
The World Cup will not only be experienced on the field but also in airports, train stations, hotels, and entertainment centers. These locations will shape the experience of millions and simultaneously test Mexico’s ability to coordinate complex projects under international standards.
Airports: More Than Infrastructure; A Presentation of Mexico
Each airport undergoing modernization represents more than an infrastructure project; it’s a showcase. Behind every terminal expansion or automated baggage system are teams working to ensure visitors’ first contact with Mexico is efficient, secure, and clear in identity. The engineering and planning behind these projects define Mexico’s narrative to the world: hospitality, innovation, and efficiency.
Terrestrial Stations: Key Components of the Event
Train stations and terrestrial terminals will be crucial components of the event. Connectivity between host cities has become a competitive factor and a logistical challenge requiring millimeter precision. Every ramp, access, or signage counts because seamless movement can be the difference between enjoying or enduring the tournament.
The Hotel Industry: A World Cup Moment
The hotel sector is experiencing its own “World Cup” moment. It’s not just about adding rooms but transforming them. New international standards demand accessible, sustainable, and technologically connected spaces. We’ve seen projects reconfigured to include energy-saving solutions, low-impact environmental materials, and experiences that integrate the local culture. Mexican hospitality is reinventing itself with a forward-looking vision.
Entertainment Spaces: Extending the Event
Beyond stadiums, entertainment spaces—plazas, restaurants, pedestrian zones, and cultural venues—will naturally extend the event. These are where visitors will experience shared emotion, weave memories. To achieve this, each project must consider people flows, security, connectivity, and adaptability. The legacy of these spaces will extend beyond the event, contributing to more vibrant, attractive, and resilient cities.
The Challenge: Synchronization
The challenge lies in synchronization. None of this will work if projects are not planned and executed with precision. This is where the Project Manager’s role comes in: connecting stakeholders, anticipating risks, and ensuring each component of the ecosystem—from airports to boutique hotels—functions as part of a coherent whole.
Key Questions and Answers
- What does the World Cup mean for Mexico beyond the field? The World Cup will test Mexico’s infrastructure and mobility, accommodation in host cities, and the ability to coordinate complex projects under international standards.
- How will airports contribute to the World Cup experience? Airports will serve as a presentation of Mexico, ensuring visitors’ first contact is efficient, secure, and clear in identity.
- What role do terrestrial stations play? These stations are crucial for connectivity between host cities, requiring precise logistical planning.
- How is the hotel industry preparing for the World Cup? The sector is transforming rooms into spaces that meet new international standards of accessibility, sustainability, and technology.
- What impact will entertainment spaces have? These spaces will extend the World Cup experience, contributing to more vibrant and resilient cities.
