Quintana Roo’s 2026 World Cup Plan Revealed

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa has presented the work plan and promotional strategy for the Mexican Caribbean ahead of the FIFA World Cup, for which Quintana Roo has been officially selected as a base camp for two international teams—a first in the state's history.

During a meeting with the business and tourism sector titled "The Mexican Caribbean on the Road to the 2026 World Cup," Governor Lezama stated that this achievement "confirms what we are capable of achieving when we work together with a clear purpose." She called for doing things correctly so that all visitors have a great experience from the moment they step off the plane.

She emphasized that this designation "fills us with pride, but also commits us to continue transforming tourism with well-being, social justice, and a vision for the future." She also recognized the effort of thousands of people who make it possible for Quintana Roo to shine on the world stage, from those who prepare hotel rooms to those who care for beaches, airports, and visitor safety.

"They are the hands and hearts that give meaning to tourism and that reflect the spirit of Quintana Roo," she assured.

Governor Lezama pointed out that the 2026 World Cup will bring unprecedented international exposure and invited everyone to carefully protect the state's positive image and to join together in a watershed moment for the love of Quintana Roo and its wonderful destinations, upon which thousands and thousands of people depend.

The governor explained that the State Government, in coordination with the Secretary of Tourism and the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ), is implementing a comprehensive plan with vision and strategy encompassing promotion, infrastructure, connectivity, training, and security.

Notable actions include strengthening airports, improving roadways, expanding the hotel offering to international standards, and professionalization and certification programs for sector workers.

Furthermore, a special operational plan is being coordinated with municipalities, security forces, and hotel associations to guarantee mobility, service, and safe tourist experiences during the 2026 World Cup.

Concurrently, the CPTQ is designing international campaigns focused on sports and cultural tourism that will showcase the natural wealth and diversity of the Mexican Caribbean destinations.

"In this new way of governing, we demonstrate that a humanist government with a feminist heart can turn economic development into well-being for families. And it is the confirmation that when transformation is lived with honesty and work, the results are felt in every community," explained the head of the executive branch.

Mexican Caribbean, Heart of the World Cup

Finally, the governor assured that Quintana Roo will not only welcome the world but will also show its soul: "With the strength of our people, the Mexican Caribbean will be the heart of the 2026 World Cup and will demonstrate that in Mexico and in Quintana Roo, transformation is moving forward."

During the presentation, Bernardo Cueto, Secretary of Tourism, and Andrés Martínez, Director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ), shared the details of the project "Mexican Caribbean, on the Road to the FIFA 2026 World Cup." The project aims to boost the state's tourism competitiveness, strengthen air connectivity, and generate alliances with the hotel sector and service providers to create vacation packages and unique experiences for visitors before, during, and after the World Cup.

They affirmed that the recognition granted by FIFA represents the first time in history that Quintana Roo will be a base camp for World Cup teams, consolidating the Mexican Caribbean as a tourist and sports destination of international stature.

It was also announced that the specific national teams to be hosted by the state will be revealed in December of this year, once FIFA has defined the official game schedule.

The project is part of a comprehensive strategy seeking to promote sports tourism, generate economic spillover and jobs, and enhance Quintana Roo's international image. Highlighted actions include the organization of "Fan Fest" events, international promotion campaigns, and work tables to guarantee the safety and well-being of fans.

It was specified that the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada, represents a historic economic event. Estimates include 65 billion pesos in economic spillover, 5.5 million additional tourists projected for the country, over 24,000 jobs generated, and revenues exceeding 1,000 million dollars in hospitality, gastronomy, air transport, and tourist activities.

In attendance were representatives from UNICEF, Fairmont Mayakoba, Grupo Palace Resorts, Grupo Xcaret, CCE, Canirac, the Nautical Association, Amatur, CNET, Spirit, America Airlines, Copa Airlines, Expedia, Acluvaq, the Holbox Hotel Association, the Costa Mujeres Hotel Association, the Cancún, Isla Mujeres and Puerto Morelos Hotel Association, the Riviera Maya Hotel Association, the Mexican Caribbean Hotel Council, Tren Maya, Tulum Airport, and ASUR.

Also present were Verónica Lezama Espinosa, Honorary President of the Quintana Roo DIF System; the municipal presidents Ana Paty Peralta of Benito Juárez and Atenea Gómez Ricalde of Isla Mujeres; Deputy Euterpe Gutiérrez Valasis, President of the Tourism and International Affairs Commission of the State Congress; and Julio César Gómez Torres, Secretary of Citizen Security.