Mexico City celebrates World Cup 2026 with massive downtown parade

Mexico City transformed its iconic Paseo de la Reforma into a vibrant carnival on Saturday, hosting the Grand World Cup Parade to celebrate the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Thousands of enthusiastic fans filled the avenue, marking the third time Mexico hosts the tournament.

The parade pulsed with the rhythms of folkloric and sonidera music, winding from the Fuente de la Diana Cazadora to the Monumento a la Revolución. A lively crowd waved flags and sang festive chants. The procession featured cultural icons such as Catrinas, pre-Hispanic dancers, and alebrijes, celebrating Mexican heritage within the context of the first World Cup co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Elements of the traditional Day of the Dead celebration, a UNESCO-recognized festivity, were brought forward to coincide with the World Cup festivities. Floats paid homage to football legends like Diego Maradona and Pelé, as well as deceased stars such as Gerd Müller and Eusebio. Mascots from past Mexican World Cups, 'Juanito' (1970) and 'Pique' (1986), also made an appearance, embodying the theme 'The ball returns home.' A float honoring the 1971 Women's World Cup featured the Mexican runners-up.

Fans from across Mexico displayed their national pride with luchador masks and mariachi hats. "Today we have shown the world a small part of what we experience as a culture," EFE quoted fan Milton Pérez as saying. Mexico City's head of government, Clara Brugada, attended the event, facing some boos and whistles. The parade complemented a large celebration at the Angel of the Independence on Thursday, following Mexico's victory over South Africa in the opening match.