Gabriela Cuevas: Today we complain about potholes, but during the 1986 World Cup, half the city was devastated by the earthquake'

"The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest ever, the first co-hosted by three countries Mexico, the United States, and Canada and the debut of the expanded format with 48 teams and 104 matches. The economic and tourism expectations being generated are equally enormous. FIFA estimates an economic impact exceeding $11 billion, while Mexico anticipates the arrival of some 5.5 million visitors, primarily to the host cities of Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey."

"I want to organize the best World Cup in history, she states in an interview with EL PAIS. She clarifies, however, that her role is not that of an all-powerful director, but rather a mediator between institutions as diverse as FIFA, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), government agencies such as customs, immigration, and airports, as well as the three host cities."

"With fewer than 200 days until the World Cup opening ceremony, Cuevas assures that preparations are progressing at a very good pace. However, FIFA's recent announcement that Guadalajara and Monterrey will host the inter-confederation playoff matches in March has accelerated the organizational efforts. Every day we work against the clock, but it will serve as a great rehearsal for all the processes of travel, press, immigration The same goes for the reopening of the Azteca Stadium, she points out."

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada with an expanded format of 48 teams and 104 matches. FIFA projects an economic impact exceeding $11 billion, and Mexico expects about 5.5 million visitors concentrated in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Gabriela Cuevas serves as Mexico's tournament representative, mediating among FIFA, the Mexican Football Federation, government agencies (customs, immigration, airports), and the three host cities. Preparations are progressing with fewer than 200 days remaining, and FIFA’s decision to host inter-confederation playoffs in Guadalajara and Monterrey has accelerated logistical efforts. Stadiums, including Azteca, are investing to meet international standards.

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