Mexico 2026 FIFA World Cup bid

Mexican Football Federation Headquarters in Mexico City.

In September 2012, former Mexican Football Federation President Justino Compeán confirmed plans for a Mexican bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.^[1] On March 4, 2016, Mexican Football Federation President Decio De Maria announced continued Mexican interest after the new FIFA president Gianni Infantino was elected in the wake of the Garcia Report corruption scandal.^[2]

History

Mexico has hosted two previous World Cups in 1970 and 1986 (Colombia had been chosen to host the 1986 tournament, but due to economic problems, Mexico was awarded as the new host). If the campaign is successful, Mexico will be the first nation to have hosted the World Cup three times. The Mexican top level football league, Liga MX, is considered the strongest in North America, and among the strongest in all of Latin America. According to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics, the league currently ranks 20th worldwide^[3] and was ranked as the 10th strongest league in the first decade of the 21st century (2001–2010).^[4] Liga MX draws the largest crowds on average of any football league in CONCACAF, who has called for the 2026 World Cup to be held in its region.^[5]

In October 2013, Liga MX President said that Mexico is interested in joining forces with the U.S. to co-host a bid for the 2026 World Cup.^[6] On December 9, 2014, the Mexican Football Federation confirmed that it is bidding for the 2026 World Cup.^[7]

The bidding process was due to start in 2015, with the appointment of hosts previously scheduled for the FIFA Congress on 10 May 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.^[8][9] On 10 June 2015, it was announced the bidding process has been postponed, amid corruption allegations around the previous tournaments, due to be held in 2018 (Russia), as well as 2022 (Qatar).^[10][11]

Venues

Stadiums must be able to accommodate a 20,000 square feet (1,900 m²) hospitality village no more than 150 metres from the stadium. They must also have a capacity of at least 40,000 for group and second round matches and 60,000 for quarter finals and beyond.^[12] Mexico has one stadium capable of hosting the World Cup Final, Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, and six other stadia that can hold matches in the first two rounds.

References

1. "Mexico to bid for 2026 World Cup". ESPN, Press Association. 21 September 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
2. "Mexico wants to host 2026 World Cup as first nation to stage three editions". ESPN, Press Association. 4 March 2016. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
3. "The strongest National League in the World 2012:". IFFHS. Retrieved 2013-06-29.
4. "The strongest Leagues in the World in the first Decade of 21st Century (2001-2010)". IFFHS. Retrieved 2013-06-29.
5. "CONCACAF president is pushing hard to land 2026 World Cup". latimes.com. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
6. "Report: Mexico would team up with USA to host 2026 World Cup tournament". MLS Soccer.
7. "Buscará México la sede del Mundial 2026". Milenio.
8. "2022 FIFA World Cup to be played in November/December". FIFA.com. 20 March 2015.
9. "FIFA defers decision on continental rotation for WCup bids". Yahoo! News (via Associated Press). 2015-05-25.
10. "Fifa 2026 World Cup bidding process delayed". BBC News. 10 June 2015.
11. "FIFA Statement on 2026 FIFA World Cup bidding". FIFA.com. 10 June 2015.
12. Kelso, Paul (26 May 2009). "London Olympic Stadium possible venue for 2018 World Cup". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 15 June 2009.