Mexico Eyes Stronger Ties With Malaysia Through 2026 FIFA World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- Mexico, one of the three FIFA World Cup 2026 host countries, hoped the mega tournament will be a catalyst to strengthen people-to-people and tourism ties with Malaysia, particularly through greater engagement among football fans.

Mexican Ambassador to Malaysia, Luis Javier Campuzano has invited Malaysians to visit Mexico to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, which will be held in three Mexican cities -- Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara.

“Malaysians do not need a visa to travel to Mexico. This is a good opportunity for Malaysians to promote tourism, especially the Visit Malaysia 2026 among Mexicans,” he said after launching the Mexico FIFA World Cup 2026 Photographic Expo at the embassy, here, on Friday.  

Campuzano said Mexico also aimed to boost tourist arrivals through hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mexico ranked sixth most visited country in the world in 2025, with 47.8 million visitors.

As part of the celebration, he said football fans from Malaysia would be able to participate in a friendly match with fans from Mexico, the United States and Canada at Stadium Merdeka on June 24.

On the photographic expo launched today, Campuzano said fans can visit the embassy to view a photo collection of Mexico’s participation in the FIFA World Cup, including its previous hosting in 1970 and 1986. 

Also on display are photographs of the 1971 women’s football tournament held in Mexico.

FIFA World Cup 2026 is jointly host by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The opening match, set to take place at the Estadio Azteca  Mexico City on June 11, will see Mexico face South Africa.

-- BERNAMA