Background on Monterrey and the Upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026
Monterrey, Nuevo León, is hosting the World Football Summit (WFS) one year before it becomes one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The WFS brings together over 2,000 attendees from 100 countries, including influential business leaders in soccer.
Economic Impact and Preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026
The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to generate between $5,000 and $6,000 million in short-term economic activity in North America. This event coincides with the transformation of soccer in North America, making it an ideal time for the WFS to capitalize on this growing enthusiasm.
Nuevo León’s Role and Initiatives
Samuel García Sepúlveda, the governor of Nuevo León, emphasized that the WFS presents a unique opportunity to showcase the region’s potential in the global soccer industry.
- Infrastructure Projects: The state government is working on various infrastructure projects, including expanding the Monterrey International Airport, constructing seven new highways, enhancing public transportation, and renovating Parque Fundidora.
- Security Measures: Nuevo León is ensuring the safety of both tourists and locals by meeting FIFA’s requirements for hosting four World Cup 2026 matches. This includes strengthening security through new Fuerza Civil divisions.
- Support from Mexico City: García Sepúlveda acknowledged the assistance of Claudia Sheinbaum, the head of Mexico City, in obtaining necessary permits and resources for projects like two new metro lines, the Interserrana highway, and the León dam in Montemorelos.
Notable Attendees and Collaborations
During the WFS, prominent figures in soccer and sports administration attended, including:
- Jürgen Mainka: Chief Tournament Officer, Mexico FWC26
- Mauricio Culebro: President of Tigres UANL
- Pedro Esquivel: President of Club de Fútbol Monterrey
- Alejandro Hutt: Host City Manager – FWC26 Monterrey
- Olek Loewenstein: President Global of Sports, Televisa Univision
- Isabella Echeverri: Soccer legend and Common Goal council member
- Iñigo Riestra: Secretary General, Federación Mexicana de Futbol
- Héctor Herrera: Professional Mexican soccer player
- Diego Reyes: Professional Mexican soccer player
- Mariana Gutiérrez: President of Liga MX Femenil
- Grace Ahrens: Executive Director, Women in Soccer
- Fernando Palomo: ESPN presenter
Participating Clubs and Sports Entities
The WFS features collaborations from various soccer organizations, such as:
- FIFA
- Confederación de Norteamérica, Centroamérica y el Caribe de Futbol (Concacaf)
- Federación Mexicana de Futbol (FMF)
- Liga MX
- Club América
- Tigres
- Rayados
- Toluca
- FC Barcelona
- Arsenal WFC
- US Soccer Federation
- Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC)
- Washington Spirit
- Dallas Mavericks
- LA Clippers
