Decio de Maria says Mexico has infrastructure to host 2026 World Cup
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Mexican Football Federation (FMF) president Decio de Maria believes that Mexico already has the infrastructure in place to successfully host the 2026 World Cup, he said during an interview on ESPN.
Referencing the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, de Maria stated that he does not believe Mexico would need to build as many stadiums to host the event.
“The infrastructure of Mexican soccer has increased, it has improved, I think today the World [Cup] does not require as many stages as those made for Brazil,” he said via translation from the Daily Record of Mexico.
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The statement is also a reiteration of Mexico’s plan to pursue a bid for the World Cup, which the FMF has hinted at since 2014.
In March, de Maria told ESPN that Mexico would submit a bid for the 2026 World Cup as soon a possible.
“We know that a World Cup means beyond what's at stake on the field,” De Maria said. “Being the host of the biggest party in the world is an honor and it means a lot for the country. In due time, Mexico will hold the hand high and follow up with the FIFA procedures to hold the tournament.”
Mexico already has a number of modern stadiums used by Liga MX teams, and Azteca Stadium in Mexico City is scheduled to undergo renovations.
