Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Mexico is investing heavily in culture, infrastructure and technology as it prepares to host 13 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament expected to draw more than 55.5 million visitors to the country.
Officials project the event will generate about $3 billion for Mexico, create more than 24,000 jobs and showcase the country's regional diversity. Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey will host matches, including the June 11 opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca, which is undergoing a $175 million renovation to increase capacity to 90,000 seats from 87,500.
Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez Zamora said the plan seeks to spread World Cup benefits well beyond the stadiums.
"We want every state to feel part of this global celebration," she said at the launch event at Punto México. "From the Pueblos Mágicos to archaeological sites and culinary traditions, the World Cup will be a window to all of Mexico."
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