Mexico City, 11 June 2026 – Mexico has rolled out a grand welcome as the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off today, turning host cities into a vast, open-air football gallery ahead of the opening match at Estadio Azteca.
Streets painted green, white and red
FIFA logos, giant footballs, and vibrant Mexican marigolds now line streets across Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Walls and pillars on nearly every sidewalk feature football-themed posters and murals celebrating the sport and its stars.
The capital has embraced football-themed art in a big way. A massive mural of Mexico striker Raul Jimenez kissing the World Cup trophy dominates the space outside Estadio Azteca. Even women’s football is represented, with murals of Manchester City’s Vivianne Miedema and Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas appearing across the city.
Airport to Azteca: Decorations everywhere
Visitors arriving at Benito Juarez International Airport are greeted by a giant football and a massive replica of the World Cup trophy at the entrance. Football decorations extend throughout the airport terminals, with volunteers welcoming fans with placards.
Businesses joined the festivities too. Shops and restaurants have put up football-shaped balloons and branded ice coolers to attract customers during the tournament.
Papel picado takes centre stage
The opening ceremony theme celebrates papel picado — traditional Mexican folk art known for intricate decorative patterns cut into brightly coloured tissue paper. FIFA said Mexican culture would be showcased through music, dance and artistic performances featuring indigenous talent. The vibrant craft, a symbol of Mexican festivities, will feature prominently during today’s 90-minute pre-match show at Azteca.
City prepares for kickoff
To mark the occasion, Mexico City declared a public holiday today. Federal offices shifted to remote work and schools suspended classes to ease traffic as fans head to the stadium. El Zocalo plaza has been converted into a fan zone with a massive screen, though security barricades line the surrounding streets.
Mexico hosts 13 matches in the tournament, including all three of El Tri’s Group A games. With decorations up and the city in full celebration mode, the country is making clear it’s ready to shine on football’s biggest stage.