Ride-Hailing Apps Prepare for Tourist Surge During World Cup in Cancun

Cancun, Quintana Roo — Ride-hailing apps are rolling out new safety measures as Cancun prepares for a wave of tourists arriving for the 2026 World Cup, with the city serving as a key entry point for visitors heading to matches and fan zones.

Cecilia Román, Uber’s safety communications manager, announced that Cancun — along with Guadalajara, Monterrey, Mexico City, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta — will receive new tools designed to ensure safe travel for tourists. These include a mandatory PIN system, recorded trips, and destination promotion campaigns for both beach and city locations.

According to a study titled “Urban Mobility Ahead of the 2026 World Cup: Challenges, Demand, and the Role of Digital Platforms in Mexico,” conducted with The Competitive Intelligence Unit (The CIU), one in two tourists already uses ride-hailing apps as their primary mode of transport at airports. The report also found that seven out of 10 users plan to use Uber for mobility during the event.

“We are focused on technology, response capacity, and campaigns. And it’s not just about protecting the user but also the drivers,” Román said.

The mandatory PIN will be rolled out gradually, with Cancun selected as one of the pilot destinations. A trip will only begin after the passenger enters the code.

The influx of visitors will also require designated pick-up and drop-off zones at stadiums, fan fests, and high-traffic areas across the city.

“The World Cup is a milestone that demands the best of our technology to be a key facilitator during the moments of highest demand in the country. These innovations are the result of years of learning from global events, adapted specifically for Mexico’s reality,” said Félix Olmo, general director of Uber Mexico.

With at least one million travelers expected to pass through Cancun for the World Cup, mobility and delivery solutions will be crucial to maintaining connectivity in the city.