2026 FIFA World Cup It will be one of the largest sporting events in history, not only because of the number of teams and matches, but because of the tourism, economic and logistical impact it will have for the host countries. Mexico – which will share headquarters with the United States and Canada – In recent months, it has improved a comprehensive strategy to receive millions of visitors and comply with the organization’s international standards.
In an exclusive interview, Gabriela CuevasMexico’s representative to FIFA and responsible for coordinating the federal government’s efforts towards the tournament, detailed how the country is progressing on key issues such as tourism, security, mobility and ticket purchasing. During the conversation, the official touched on the size of the project and the challenges involved in organizing the largest edition of the World Cup.
Gabriela Cuevas admitted that the country’s preparations are not limited to sports or logistical work, but rather to a temporary transformation of the government apparatus to receive international visitors.
What are the main strategies to attract tourists during the World Cup?
Cuevas responded that the first goal was to ensure that Anyone arriving in the country can do so under more flexible and clearer processes. He explained that a series of working groups had been established with the participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior and the National Institute of Migration.
According to him, these groups are reviewing entry procedures in detail “Making the experience of coming to Mexico easier.” The official stressed that the challenge is not only limited to receiving millions of tourists, but rather ensuring that their arrival does not mean saturation at airports or delays resulting from immigration procedures.
To complement this work, a coordination scheme has also been created with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport, which includes areas dedicated exclusively to airports, as well as another area focused on roads. Cuevas stressed that many American fans will likely cross by land Road connectivity and entry points play an essential role in the national plan.
When asked how the country would benefit from the tourist influx, Gabriela Cuevas insisted that one of the purposes was for visitors not to be limited only to the host cities – Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey – but to explore nearby destinations during non-match days.
What tourist routes were designed specifically for the World Cup?
The official explained that local governments have made progress in creating new regional experiences.
In Nuevo León, for example, they are working on a concept called “The Magical Northeast,” which combines… Ecotourism, culture, nature tours and visiting vineyards. Cuevas explained that this model seeks to diversify the tourism offer so that fans can enjoy activities before or after matches.
In Jalisco, the strategy links to beach destinations, the Tequila Route and historic areas, while in the capital, connections with Morelos and Acapulco are strengthened. The interviewee stressed that these routes not only add tourism value, but also increase the economic benefit that the tournament will generate.
When talking about the impact of non-host destinations, Cuevas emphasized the role Cancun As a huge entry point, given that it receives about 17 million people annually. Although there are no matches, the government considers it part of the national ecosystem that is preparing to receive visitors.
The official summarized the strategy’s tourism goal: The experience is so positive that every visitor becomes an ambassador for the country upon returning to their home country.
Cuevas noted that the country already has A comprehensive plan headed by the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protectionbuilt sharing multiple dependencies. He said that this project was developed years ago and developed in accordance with international standards set by FIFA.
System included 23 specialized working groups on various topics, involving host country authorities and municipalities, in addition to maintaining active cooperation with the United States and Canada. This tripartite coordination seeks to ensure that the protocols work uniformly across the North American region.
The official explained that aspects related to the mobilization of teams, the issuance of visas to FIFA employees and access processes to various airports in the country, including FIFA, Mexico City, Toluca and Monterrey airports, are also being analysed.
During the conversation, he commented that Mexico will face a historic challenge in hosting the first World Cup 48 teams and 104 matchesIn addition to hosting the opening match. For Cuevas, this is a responsibility that requires careful and constant coordination.
World tickets
The Mexican representative warned that they receive daily reports of fraud in alleged WhatsApp sales groups, Facebook pages and irregular agencies. He confirmed that the only approved website to purchase tickets is FIFA.com websiteThe tickets will contain dynamic QR codes to avoid any attempt at counterfeiting or resale.
The official insisted that no one should trust unofficial sellers or offers that promise early access or special offers. He said that the security technology that will accompany the tickets makes it impossible for third parties to manage or transfer them outside the official platforms.
Cuevas explained that the official process will also be carried out exclusively on the FIFA portal. He noted that the program offers attractive benefits and will have multiple operational and support functions, but stressed that any call requesting payments or deposits should be considered a fraud attempt.
Regarding public places where matches can be watched, Cuevas confirmed that Mexico will do so The three official FIFA fan festivalsAll with free entry. They will be located in:
- Zocalo Mexico City
- The park in Nuevo Leon
- Liberation Square in Jalisco
The official stressed that no one should pay to enter these events, as they are organized directly by FIFA and access to them is completely free.
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