Preparation for the 2026 World Cup
As Mexico City prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, the city prioritizes crucial transportation projects that will benefit its residents beyond the sporting event. The city’s government, led by Mayor Clara Brugada, has allocated a significant investment of 2,250 million pesos to intervene in 250 kilometers of primary roadways by May 2026.
Targeting Major Avenues
Brugada highlighted in a press conference that these 250 kilometers encompass the most significant avenues in the city, which have experienced considerable deterioration and require comprehensive attention. These avenues include Tlalpan, Periférico, and Insurgentes, among others.
Integral Pavement Maintenance Plan
This initiative is part of the Integral Pavement Maintenance Plan, focusing on deep pavement recarpeting. The 250 kilometers equate to over 4 million square meters, which will significantly enhance mobility within the city.
Exclusive Pavement Investment
It’s essential to note that this budget is exclusively for pavement work and does not include patching or citizen attention programs, which are separate initiatives. Brugada emphasized that the focus is on deep recarpeting of major avenues.
Meeting the Deadline
Brugada assured that her administration will work diligently to meet the target of completing 250 kilometers by May 2026. The program will incorporate transparent bidding processes and continuous supervision to ensure the quality of work.
Complementary Bacheo Plan
While the pavement project focuses on deep recarpeting, Brugada also addressed the ongoing issue of potholes. She clarified that patching is a continuous concern, not a project with a fixed endpoint.
Two Complementary Modalities
The bacheo plan will be implemented through two complementary modalities. First, a nocturnal patching program will address 1,000 kilometers of primary roadways between August and December 2025. This program will deploy 50 specialized teams, each working on 10-kilometer stretches per night.
Minimizing Impact on Mobility
Raúl Basulto, head of the Capital Works and Services Secretariat (Sobse), explained that this approach allows for the complete intervention of avenues with temporary, organized closures, minimizing disruption to traffic.
Citizen Reporting for Immediate Attention
The second modality involves addressing urgent citizen reports within 48 hours, with another 50 teams dedicated to this task.
Addressing Socavones
José Mario Esparza, head of the Integral Water Management Secretariat (Segiagua), reported that as of August 2025, there have been 37 socavones (sinkholes) on primary roadways and 116 on secondary ones. These issues are exacerbated by intense rainfall that saturates collectors, putting pressure on underground infrastructure and causing sinkholes.
Independent Projects
Brugada stressed that these projects are part of the city’s regular maintenance schedule and not a response to FIFA requirements. Although there is a permanent coordination table with FIFA authorities, these road projects primarily serve Mexico City’s population.
Collaborative Relationship with FIFA
Brugada emphasized the city’s positive relationship with FIFA authorities, including regular meetings involving Estadio Azteca and other venue responsible parties. However, these road projects are primarily for the city’s benefit, with the World Cup serving as a reference date to expedite certain tasks. These are permanent improvements that the city urgently needed.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main focus of Mexico City’s investment? The primary focus is on deep pavement recarpeting of 250 kilometers of major avenues in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
- What is the total investment for this project? The city has allocated 2,250 million pesos for this initiative.
- When is the deadline for completing these projects? The city aims to finish 250 kilometers of paved roadways by May 2026.
- How will the city address ongoing pothole issues? Mexico City will implement a complementary bacheo plan with two modalities: nocturnal patching of primary roadways and immediate attention to citizen reports.
- What is causing the increase in sinkholes? Intense rainfall saturates collectors, putting pressure on underground infrastructure and causing sinkholes.
- Are these projects in response to FIFA requirements? No, these are part of the city’s regular maintenance schedule and primarily serve Mexico City’s population.
