President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stated that the Social World Cup initiative aims to take advantage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to permanently strengthen sports participation throughout the country through the construction and rehabilitation of 4,208 soccer fields nationwide, as part of a strategy designed to promote football and community engagement.
During the morning press conference “Las mañaneras del pueblo,” the president emphasized that the goal is for the activities surrounding the World Cup to extend beyond the sporting event itself and become an opportunity for children and young people to gain access to quality spaces for sports, both in remote communities and major urban centers.
Gabriela Cuevas Barrón, coordinator of the Federal Government’s World Cup 2026 efforts, reported that in addition to sports infrastructure projects, authorities have accelerated processes related to permits, visas, security, and visitor services. She also highlighted that the Social World Cup includes the creation of thousands of community murals promoted by federal agencies, state governments, and the Mexican Youth Institute.
Federal agencies also presented progress on programs linked to the initiative. The Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development reported the construction and rehabilitation of 1,200 sports fields. The Ministry of Health announced more than 3,000 health promotion activities involving over 750,000 participants, while the Ministry of Public Education highlighted the participation of more than 1.13 million students in the School World Cup program.
Additionally, the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport announced that the School Cup and the Conade Cup will continue as permanent tournaments. Meanwhile, the Ministries of Culture and Tourism presented initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s cultural and tourism offerings during the World Cup. Through these efforts, the Government of Mexico seeks to ensure that the 2026 World Cup leaves a lasting sporting, social, and community legacy for future generations.
