Cancún, Quintana Roo — While Mexico’s Caribbean coast won’t host official matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Quintana Roo is positioning itself as a key piece of the tournament infrastructure. Governor Mara Lezama announced the state is preparing with the construction and renovation of 25 soccer fields, creating what officials call an unprecedented sports legacy for the region.
Municipalities including Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Tulum, Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Chetumal have launched projects to develop high-level sports facilities. These works aim to strengthen local infrastructure and promote physical activity among Quintana Roo’s children and youth.
Quintana Roo: International Training Destination
Despite Mexico’s official World Cup venues being Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, Quintana Roo will play a relevant role as a training and preparation destination for international teams. The state’s connectivity and hotel quality make it an ideal base for World Cup squads.
Among the facilities being upgraded to international standards are:
- Andrés Quintana Roo Stadium in Cancún
- Strategic sports units in the Riviera Maya
- High-performance complexes in Cozumel
A Social Legacy Beyond Soccer
The state project focuses not only on professional use but also community access. The 25 new soccer fields are designed to be inclusive and accessible spaces for all citizens.
“The goal is for this international event to leave a real benefit for our people, improving the social fabric through sports,” the state administration emphasized. Currently, preliminary tournaments and soccer festivals are already underway to build World Cup excitement in southeastern Mexico.
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