Mexico City is finalizing renovations to metro stations and the Benito Juárez International Airport as it prepares to host five soccer World Cup games starting June 11, 2026, with the opening match featuring Mexico vs South Africa [1, 2]. The city’s metro system carries over 1.2 billion passengers annually, making these upgrades significant for both residents and tourists [1, 2].
The metro work focuses largely on aesthetic improvements, including stained glass installations, revamped entrances, and platform enhancements rather than structural repairs, a decision that has drawn some criticism. Local resident Halim Castro said, "The projects focus more on aesthetics than on structural maintenance. Resources could be allocated to more essential improvements, such as maintaining the metro system, which is already very old" [1]. Another official, Adrián Rubalcava, defended the renovations as "an opportunity to carry out deeper work at stations that require urgent attention and that will leave them in better condition for users in the long term" [1].
Construction along Calzada de Tlalpan is creating a nearly 2-kilometer pedestrian and bicycle corridor, set to open in late May 2026, shortly before the World Cup begins [1, 2]. This addition aims to enhance mobility but has contributed to lane closures and congestion during construction.
Renovations have also affected airport operations, causing partial closures and disruptions that have frustrated some passengers and local residents. Blanca Abascal remarked, "We understand it's to improve our city and present a good image to visitors, but it has also been somewhat chaotic... At night we can hardly sleep because of the noise" [1]. Some locals feel the upgrades prioritize tourists over residents. Arturo Castro said, "There are improvements in more visible areas, but in other parts of the city there are still significant gaps in transport and services" [1].
Mexico City will host five World Cup matches, placing added pressure on the city’s infrastructure to handle increased traffic and visitors [1, 2]. The new pedestrian and bicycle corridor is scheduled to open in late May 2026, providing safer non-motorized transit options just weeks before the first match on June 11.