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Mexico City scrambles to revive stalled 2026 World Cup oversight committee

A last-ditch effort to salvage Mexico's World Cup preparations exposes deep divisions. With time running out, can lawmakers turn criticism into action?

The image shows a large building with cars parked in front of it, surrounded by street poles,...
The image shows a large building with cars parked in front of it, surrounded by street poles, street lights, motor vehicles on the road, plants, trees and a sky with clouds in the background. This building is the CEM Center de Nacional Empresarial de México.

Mexico City scrambles to revive stalled 2026 World Cup oversight committee

Mexico City lawmakers are pushing to revive a special committee overseeing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The group, which had struggled to gain traction, is now facing fresh calls for action—and criticism over past inaction. With three Mexican cities set to host matches, concerns remain about infrastructure and readiness.

The Special Oversight Committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was initially formed to monitor Mexico's preparations. However, Movimiento Ciudadano's caucus leader, Royfid Torres, admitted it never functioned as intended. PAN coordinator Andrés Atayde acknowledged the committee's troubled start but still hopes it can be revived.

Morena's caucus leader, Xóchitl Bravo, plans to activate the committee through local initiatives. She aims to align its work with the Mexico City government's agenda. Deputy Fernando Zárate, the committee's chair, is organising activities to engage all 66 legislators and has already met with tourism officials and the Mixed Fund.

Criticism has come from multiple sides. PVEM leader Jesús Sesma called for the committee's dissolution, labelling it ineffective. Meanwhile, Atayde warned that Mexico City remains unprepared, citing a shortage of visitor accommodations. Torres emphasised that the committee lacks binding authority but can still advise on World Cup-related proposals.

The government holds responsibility for infrastructure and preparations, with Torres stressing that meeting FIFA's conditions must now take priority.

The committee's future remains uncertain, despite efforts to revive it. If reactivated, its role will focus on advisory input rather than enforcement. With the 2026 tournament approaching, lawmakers and officials face pressure to address gaps in Mexico City's readiness.

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