Havana, December 22 (RHC) – The northern Mexican city of Monterrey is preparing to host several of the teams competing in the upcoming World Cup, to be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
For the first time, the venue for these games will be shared by three countries (Mexico, the United States, and Canada), and Monterrey, along with Mexico City and Guadalajara, will be one of the territories chosen to represent the Aztec nation.
PREPARATIONS
As part of Monterrey’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, significant work is underway at BBVA Stadium (the “Steel Giant”), which will host group stage matches and a qualifying round, including games featuring teams such as the Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, and South Korea.
The stadium, popularly known as “The Steel Giant,” with a capacity of over 53,000 spectators, is being re-turfed and undergoing modernisation and technological upgrades to meet FIFA standards.
This stadium will host intercontinental playoff matches in March 2026 and FIFA Legends matches, serving as a test venue for World Cup logistics.
TRANSPORTATION AND SECURITY
The city has also undertaken a series of urban infrastructure improvements, including public transportation upgrades with the addition of new, interconnected buses, as well as enhanced security plans with perimeter security around the stadium.
The plan includes the renewal of 4,000 buses with air conditioning and connectivity, improving urban mobility. Security perimeters around the stadium are also being implemented, featuring checkpoints and drop-off zones for fans, along with working groups with all three levels of government (federal, state, and municipal) to develop a unified security and public order strategy.
Expansion work on the Metro system is also progressing, with two new lines offering significant advantages for travel to BBVA Stadium and the airport. Existing lines are being modernised, providing greater comfort and connectivity for fans arriving in the city.
Mexico will be the first country to host three FIFA World Cups. It was previously hosted in 1970 and 1986.
