World Cup Trophy Begins 26-Day Tour Across Mexico Ahead of 2026 Tournament

Guadalajara, Jalisco — The FIFA World Cup trophy has landed in Mexico, kicking off a 26-day national tour across 10 cities in the lead-up to the 2026 tournament co-hosted with the United States and Canada.

The trophy arrived at Felipe Ángeles International Airport, marking the start of a 104-day countdown to the opening match. The tour is designed to bring the coveted prize to fans across the country, with Mexico set to become the first nation to host the World Cup for a third time, following the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.

The tour officially began in Guadalajara, where the trophy will be on display at Akron Stadium from February 28 to March 2. It will then travel to León, Veracruz, Chihuahua, Querétaro, Monterrey, Puebla, Mérida, and finally Mexico City. This itinerary aims to spread the World Cup experience beyond the three official Mexican host cities that will stage the country’s 13 matches.

Only three of the tour stops—Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara—are official match venues. The inclusion of other cities reflects FIFA’s desire to involve the entire nation in the tournament atmosphere.

The trophy’s arrival ceremony in the State of Mexico featured football legends Hugo Sánchez and Roberto Ayala. Both former players emphasized the tour’s role as a symbol of unity and resilience for Mexican society.

Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente noted that the tour strengthens North America’s image as a region capable of coordinated work. The logistics require unprecedented security and organizational efforts for a sporting event in Mexico.

Gabriela Cuevas, a representative for Mexico’s World Cup organizing committee, highlighted the economic and tourism promotion opportunities for each region. Louis Balat, an executive from a sponsoring firm, said the tour showcases Mexico’s organizational capacity and vibrant culture.

Despite security challenges, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring the tournament’s success, thanking FIFA President Gianni Infantino for maintaining the tour schedule and host cities.

International inspectors have verified the planning and conditions at stadiums and exhibition venues. The tour is scheduled to conclude in Mexico City in June, ahead of the opening ceremony at Azteca Stadium on June 11, positioning the capital as the global football epicenter for a third time.

The final stop will coincide with final preparations at Azteca Stadium, with the trophy expected to be present for the opening ceremony. Infrastructure across the country is preparing for an influx of international visitors following the trophy’s path until the tournament begins with a match between Mexico and South Africa.