Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: THERE is palpable energy in the air in Mexico City, the most populous city in North America, as it gears for the World Cup this summer. It is a vibrant, bustling metropolis that blends rich history with modern culture.
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It will be jointly hosted by sixteen cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament will be the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations, and the first to include 48 teams, an expansion from 32 previously.
Mexico City plans to have 18 public venues that will broadcast World Cup matches free of charge, with no alcohol sales and a variety of cultural and sporting activities.
Seven of these venues will operate throughout the 39 days of the tournament, broadcasting all 104 matches, while the remaining 11 will screen games featuring the Mexican national team and other highlights.
With a metropolitan area of some 23.1 million people, traffic congestion is quite intense during rush hours, especially in the area near Azteca stadium. The city has pollution issues that could also be a problem for fans with respiratory conditions, as the city is at an altitude over 7,300 feet (2,240 meters), which may require some acclimatization for visitors.
The fastest way to get to the World Cup stadium is public transportation. The Metro Line 2 takes passengers to the Taxqueña station where they need to change to the light rail to the Estadio Azteca station. They can also use the Metro Line 3 to the Universidad station and an electric bus will get them to the stadium. There are park-and-ride options at designated venues.
Although the stadium was renovated for the World Cup, the improvements didn’t fix many problems, including the internet, which remains intermittent and can be problematic since cash payments are no longer accepted.
Places to see
In between matches there are plenty of places to check out in the historic city. Zócalo is one of the largest city squares in the world at some 14 acres (5.5 hectares), it is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. It’s a hub of activity and a great place to soak in the city’s history.
The massive Chapultepec Park houses museums, a zoo and beautiful lakes. It’s perfect for leisurely walks and outdoor fun. The park is more than twice the size than New York’s Central Park, covering nearly 2,000 acres (800 hectares).
Located outside the city, Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city featuring the famous Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. A must-visit for those who combine sports and history.
