Mexico has denied reports that FIFA canceled hotel reservations in Mexico City for the 2026 World Cup, clarifying instead that the reservations were merely unblocked.
Mexico's representative to FIFA, Gabriela Cuevas, addressed the media to clarify that the organization did not cancel hotel reservations in the Mexican capital for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. This statement comes in response to claims by the Association of Hotels in Mexico City that FIFA had canceled approximately 800 out of the 2,000 rooms it had previously reserved, which would account for about 40% of the initial hotel block for the tournament.
Cuevas detailed that the situation is part of a normal procedure for event organization. Specifically, she explained that FIFA had reserved a certain number of hotel rooms across the three host cities, and as part of regular practice, some of those reservations were released back to the hotel inventory for other potential bookings. This allows flexibility in hotel management as the event date approaches and is common in large scale events like the World Cup.
The issue highlights the logistical complexities involved in preparing for a global tournament such as the World Cup, where hotel accommodations are a crucial part of the infrastructure needed to host thousands of fans. It reflects both Madrid’s proactive measures and the need for clear communication to counter any rumors that might affect local businesses relying on tourism connected to the event.
