With 100 days until the opening match Mexico vs. South Africa, Mexico City unveiled its main initiative for the 2026 World Cup: a FIFA Fan Festival in the Zocalo broadcasting all 104 tournament matches on a 510-square-meter LED screen, with free access and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Mexico City aims to turn its main square into the global celebration hub for the 2026 World Cup, extending the excitement beyond the remodeled Azteca Stadium. The FIFA Fan Festival will run from June 11 to July 19, covering 39 days of live broadcasts of all matches. The 510-square-meter LED screen will be the largest among the host cities of Mexico, the United States, and Canada, equipped with high-quality audio for an immersive experience in the Historic Center.
Access is free, and alcohol sales will not be allowed, prioritizing a family-friendly environment. Authorities estimate a cumulative attendance of up to 2.2 million people, averaging 60,000 daily. This event is part of an integral strategy including culture, entertainment, and experiences, under the Mexico Vibra project.
Additionally, the capital will be the only one in history to host three World Cup openings: 1970, 1986, and 2026 at the Estadio Ciudad de México, the official name of the Azteca during the tournament. The stadium's modernization has involved over 1,939,000 work hours, 35,000 cubic meters of excavation, and 9,500 square meters of hybrid grass, with up to 1,780 workers per day. The reinauguration is scheduled for Mexico vs. Portugal in March.
"The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be much more than soccer: it will be a unique opportunity to exalt the name of our beloved city to the entire world," stated Michel Bauer, general director of the Host City Mexico City project.
In the lead-up, concerts at the Auditorio Nacional on June 9 and 10 will feature Alejandro Fernández and Carín León, along with other artists. Over a dozen museums, such as the National Museum of Anthropology and the MUAC, will adapt thematic exhibitions. Initial allies include Club América and Uber to enhance mobility.