Hidalgo Gears Up for 2026 World Cup with South African Delegation Visit

The Mexican state of Hidalgo is actively preparing to embrace the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to immerse its residents in the global football celebration. As part of these preparations, a delegation from South Africa, comprising former players, artists, and cultural and sports representatives, is scheduled to visit four municipalities between June 4 and June 9.

The visiting delegation will engage in a variety of activities designed to bring the World Cup spirit closer to families in Hidalgo. These events will take place in Pachuca, Real del Monte, Tulancingo, and Villa de Tezontepec. Planned activities include autograph sessions, cultural encounters, concerts, and sports activations, with a particular focus on reaching children and young people.

Key attractions will feature thematic videomappings projected in iconic locations. In Pachuca, the Football Museum will host the spectacle "Pachuca, wind, football, and silver heart," while Real del Monte will present "Where the fog learned to play," a visual tribute to Mexican football history. Additionally, a freestyle football tournament is set for May 27 in Real del Monte.

Governor Julio Menchaca Salazar's administration is ensuring that these World Cup-themed activations extend to 19 municipalities across Hidalgo, fostering community engagement and providing access to international events. The initiative also aims to highlight the state's rich gastronomy through exchanges between traditional Hidalgo cooks and a South African chef, and by featuring Hidalgo's culinary representatives at Campo Marte from June 11 to July 19.

As part of the preparations, 12-year-old Britget Angeline Mejía Cuevas from Acatlán was recognized for winning the national "My neighborhood becomes a field" competition.