Mexican Federation Opens Upgraded Sports Center Ahead of 2026 World Cup
The Mexican Football Federation officially opened its upgraded national training center, "Centro de Alto Rendimiento," on Saturday, March 28, 2026. This inauguration is part of the country's intensive preparations to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. The Federation invested approximately 400 million Mexican pesos, equivalent to about $22 million, in the project, aiming to provide an ideal preparatory environment for the national team and elevate the standards of athletic performance and associated facilities.
Regarding internal facilities, the upgrades included a comprehensive expansion of the first team's accommodation areas, with the number of rooms increasing from 20 to 45. The dining hall's capacity also significantly expanded to host 210 people, up from 70. Mikel Arriola, President of the Mexican Football Federation, explained that this investment reflects the scale of responsibility towards the upcoming World Cup, stating, “We have built a facility that will provide the national team with the best possible conditions for preparation, to be on par with the leading footballing powers in the world.”
The project also involved constructing a new 6,000-square-meter building dedicated to gymnasiums and medical facilities, replacing older, smaller structures. Daniel García, Real Estate Director for the Mexican Federation, noted that a small gym and medical area were demolished to make way for this new building. Additionally, one of the center's five pitches was upgraded with hybrid turf technology to ensure high-quality sports practice.
The Mexican national team is scheduled to begin training at the upgraded sports center on May 6, with the participation of local league players. This move aims to establish a long-term legacy beyond the anticipated global tournament. Arriola emphasized that this project is not limited to hosting the World Cup but also seeks to build a solid foundation that will positively impact the development of Mexican national teams in the coming years. The center has served as the main training headquarters since 2003.
