Mexican Ambassador to Kenya Ludlow explains significance of hosting 2026 World Cup

As the Americas race to prepare for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Mexican government says it is leaving nothing to chance.

For Mexico, the tournament represents a historic milestone on several fronts. It will be the first time in history that football’s biggest spectacle is jointly hosted by three countries—Mexico, the United States and Canada. It will also be the largest World Cup ever staged, with 48 teams competing for glory, up from 32 in the previous edition held in Doha, Qatar, in 2022.

A total of 104 matches will be played during the tournament, thrilling football fans from across the globe.

Mexico, renowned for its warmth, culture and cuisine, will also make history as the first country to host three World Cup tournaments, having previously staged the competition in 1970 and 1986.

In the 2026 edition, Mexico will host 13 matches—five in Mexico City, four in Nuevo León and four in Jalisco. Authorities estimate that the country will welcome approximately 5.5 million tourists during the tournament.

As preparations gather momentum, Mexican Ambassador to Kenya Gisele Fernández Ludlow says hosting a third World Cup reflects Mexico’s strong credentials in infrastructure, security, tourism, connectivity, gastronomy, culture, sports, logistics and service delivery.

“Hosting global sporting events offers multiple benefits for Mexico. They serve as powerful platforms for cities and the country to project their image, culture and economic aspirations globally,” she said.

She noted that preparations for such events drive investment in urban infrastructure, transport, accommodation and services, delivering long-term benefits for local communities.

“The tournament presents opportunities for both national and international tourists, reinforcing cultural ties and generating income for the local and national economy,” she added.

According to the ambassador, the organisation of major sporting events also creates both temporary and permanent jobs in sectors such as construction, tourism, security and services, further strengthening Mexico’s international image and presence.

Acknowledging the growing importance of sports diplomacy, Fernández Ludlow said the World Cup would help project Mexico as “a country committed to cooperation, inclusion and political dialogue through sports.”

She added that Mexico’s embassies, consulates and central offices are working closely to support national and international athletes by providing consular and protection services, as well as facilitating mobility, health, accommodation and immigration procedures.

Hosts Mexico have been drawn in Group ‘A’ alongside South Africa—whom they faced at the 2010 World Cup—and South Korea.

By virtue of being hosts, El Tri will be hoping to go a step further and reach the latter stages of the competition, with excitement already building across the country as the countdown to the football extravaganza continues.