Cancún, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama has confirmed that seven destinations across Quintana Roo will host official FIFA Fan Fest events during the 2026 World Cup, extending the tournament experience beyond stadium cities.
The events will take place in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Bacalar, and Chetumal. In Cancún, the Fan Fest will be located at Malecón Tajamar, while Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Chetumal, and Cozumel will host events at their respective municipal palace esplanades. Bacalar’s event will be held at the municipal park of the same name.
“We’ll soon be sharing details gradually about what we’re planning so everyone can enjoy this major sporting event,” Lezama said. “This is about building peace, encouraging young people to engage in sports, and promoting healthy lifestyles.”
The governor indicated these venues will feature live match broadcasts to attract both local residents and tourists during the World Cup matches.
Three Possible Event Formats
The Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ) had previously indicated it was negotiating for FIFA-authorized Fan Fest events in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Chetumal. The confirmation now expands this to seven locations statewide.
Officials have yet to determine which of three possible Fan Fest formats will be implemented in Quintana Roo:
- FIFA Fan Fest: Official events promoted as “the best spaces outside stadiums to watch World Cup matches live in an animated atmosphere,” featuring not just football but also music, entertainment, culture, cuisine, and local lifestyle. These are typically organized only in cities hosting matches.
- Fan Fest Domestic: FIFA-authorized spaces within host countries (Mexico, United States, and Canada) that are not stadium venues, extending the official experience to more fans.
- Public Viewing: Fan fest events with match projections that would operate throughout the month-long tournament.
Andrés Martínez Reynoso, director of CPTQ, previously explained: “We’re negotiating with Televisa, which holds the broadcast rights, to see how we can have more than one event, not just in Cancún but also in Playa del Carmen and Chetumal.”
According to the official event website, FIFA Fan Festivals are a fundamental part of the 2026 World Cup, offering festive environments with live match broadcasts, music, entertainment, cultural expressions, and local cuisine for both national and international fans.
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