Adrián Rubalcava, head of Mexico City's Metro, forecasts up to 40% higher ridership during the 2026 World Cup, particularly on lines near Estadio Azteca. Preparations include adding trains and renovating key stations like Zócalo and Bellas Artes. The works aim for lasting improvements beyond the tournament.
Adrián Rubalcava, general director of Mexico City's Collective Transport System Metro, told media outlets that they expect up to 40% more passengers during 2026 World Cup matches. Estadio Azteca's capacity remains unchanged, akin to high-attendance games, with some fans gathering outside the Santa Úrsula venue, potentially boosting Línea 2 usage by 30% or higher. “We are preparing to handle, especially on these lines with greater circulation and influx, depending on the line, an increase of between 10 to 40 percent during the matches,” said Rubalcava, who visited Mexico's Senate last week. To manage this, Línea 2 will expand from 26 to 30 trains for quicker service intervals. Major works target Tasqueña, Zócalo, Bellas Artes, and Hidalgo stations. Bellas Artes will feature Palacio de Bellas Artes-inspired elements at the Government Head's request, while Zócalo deals with hallway models complicating efforts. Partial closures occur between Xola and San Antonio Abad for an elevated roadway, aided by the Passenger Transport Network. Rubalcava stressed permanence: “There will be disruptions in coming months, but we are sure these works are not just a facelift for the World Cup to look nice, but something users will benefit from permanently.”
