Cancun Joins Mexico City, Monterrey, Toronto, and Los Angeles in an Epic Airport Overhaul for FIFA World Cup 2026 across Mexico, US and Canada! Here is How They are Preparing for This Global Sports Event!

Published on December 19, 2025

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just around the corner, and airports in Cancun, Mexico City, Monterrey, Toronto, and Los Angeles are undergoing epic airport overhauls to handle the massive surge of fans. This grand sports event will see millions of visitors arriving in Mexico, the US, and Canada, making it essential for airports to be ready for the rush. Cancun, known for its vibrant tourism industry, joins these major cities in preparing state-of-the-art facilities and enhanced services. These upgrades include faster immigration processing, new E-gates, expanded terminals, and better transportation links to ensure seamless travel experiences.

With these preparations, Cancun and its counterparts are not just ready for the World Cup – they are set to provide unmatched comfort and efficiency, making the journey to the tournament as memorable as the matches themselves.

Cancun International Airport: Leading the Way in Airport Upgrades for World Cup 2026

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is one of Mexico’s busiest airports and will play a critical role in the success of World Cup 2026. As a key international gateway for millions of tourists and World Cup fans, Cancun is undergoing significant improvements to handle the expected influx of visitors.

Major Upgrades to Support World Cup Traffic

The Quintana Roo state government, under the leadership of Governor Mara Lezama, has been actively involved in the planning and implementation of upgrades at Cancun International Airport. The airport is focused on addressing key issues like customs, immigration, transportation, and security to provide a smoother experience for travelers.

One of the most notable changes is the elimination of fees for passengers entering Mexico with more than one electronic device. This will make it easier for travelers to bring their devices without additional costs. Additionally, the airport is introducing a series of E-gates, which will help speed up the immigration process, significantly reducing waiting times.

Improving Passenger Experience with Faster Processing and Enhanced Services

In preparation for the World Cup, Cancun International is also installing 20 new E-gates to increase the speed of passenger processing. The goal is to reduce maximum waiting times to 24 minutes in the off-season and 30 minutes during peak periods like the World Cup. By adding more staff and automating key processes, Cancun is positioning itself to offer a top-tier experience for arriving visitors.

Additionally, transportation outside the airport is also being streamlined. Cancun authorities are formalizing contracts with transportation companies to ensure clear and organized rates for taxis and shuttle services. This will help prevent confusion and ensure that fans can easily get from the airport to their hotels or match venues.

Cancun is set to play a key role in welcoming visitors to Mexico, and the airport’s comprehensive renovations will contribute significantly to a positive experience for World Cup attendees.

Mexico City International Airport: Renovating to Handle a Surge of Passengers

Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is another major hub for World Cup 2026. With Mexico City hosting several matches, the airport is undergoing significant renovations to meet the demands of the tournament.

Federal Investment for Major Improvements

The Mexican federal government is investing a substantial amount of money to upgrade AICM. The USD 489 million investment will go towards modernizing terminals, improving baggage handling, and increasing passenger processing capacity. This is essential to ensure that the airport can handle the millions of fans expected to travel through Mexico City for the World Cup.

Enhanced Immigration and Customs Services

AICM is also focusing on enhancing immigration and customs services. Plans are in place to reduce immigration waiting times to under 30 minutes during peak travel times. This will be achieved through the installation of more E-gates, additional staff, and streamlined processing systems.

In addition to speedier processing, Mexico City is also improving security systems to ensure the safety of both fans and staff. These upgrades will not only support World Cup traffic but will continue to benefit the airport in the long term, making it more efficient and easier to navigate.

Monterrey International Airport: Expanding for Greater Capacity

Monterrey International Airport (MTY) is another airport in Mexico undergoing major upgrades to accommodate the growing number of passengers during the World Cup. Monterrey is set to host several games, and its airport is expanding to meet the anticipated demand.

A Two-Phase Expansion to Increase Capacity

Monterrey’s airport is implementing a two-phase expansion that will increase its annual passenger capacity from 11 million to 16.5 million. The expanded terminal will feature new gates, better facilities, and more efficient passenger processing systems. This expansion is designed to ensure that Monterrey can accommodate the expected influx of football fans, both during the World Cup and beyond.

Improving Airport Connectivity

In addition to expanding the terminal, Monterrey is improving public transport connections to the airport. A new metro line will provide better access from downtown Monterrey to the airport, allowing fans to travel more easily and efficiently between the airport and match venues.

Toronto Pearson International Airport: Upgrades to Handle Record Traffic

In Canada, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is also preparing for a record number of passengers during the 2026 World Cup. As one of the major gateways to Canada, Pearson will be crucial for fans flying in for the matches in Toronto and other nearby cities.

Upgrades for Better Passenger Experience

Toronto Pearson is investing in a range of upgrades, including expanded terminals, new baggage handling systems, and more efficient immigration processing. With these enhancements, the airport will be able to accommodate the expected growth in passenger numbers and ensure a smooth travel experience for visitors.

Streamlined Immigration and Security

To reduce wait times, Pearson is also increasing the use of automated systems, including self-check-in kiosks and E-gates for quicker immigration processing. This is in line with the goal of speeding up the passenger experience and reducing bottlenecks at key touchpoints within the airport.

U.S. Airports: Preparing for a World-Class Experience

The United States will be a major host for the World Cup 2026, with cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas serving as key venues. U.S. airports are making extensive preparations to handle the massive crowds expected during the tournament.

Federal Coordination for Efficient Airport Operations

The U.S. government has set up a special task force to coordinate efforts between federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The task force’s mission is to ensure smooth airport operations, streamline border control processes, and manage the large number of international arrivals expected for the World Cup.

Upgrading Infrastructure and Technology

U.S. airports are investing heavily in new technologies to improve the passenger experience. Self-check-in kiosks, automated baggage handling, and E-gates are being rolled out to expedite the travel process. These upgrades are designed to help U.S. airports handle the huge volume of passengers without compromising on security or customer service.

Improved Transportation Links

Many U.S. cities are also improving their transportation networks to provide easier access to airports. New shuttle services, expanded public transit routes, and ride-share zones are being established to ensure that fans can easily get to their hotels and stadiums.

Preparing for a Smooth World Cup Experience

The preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not just about upgrading airports; it is about creating a seamless travel experience for fans from arrival to departure. With investments in airport infrastructure, the use of advanced technology, and improvements in immigration and customs processing, the host countries are ensuring that World Cup visitors will have a smooth, hassle-free experience.

Legacy of Airport Improvements

The airport upgrades taking place now will leave a lasting legacy for the host nations. These improvements will continue to benefit air travel long after the World Cup ends, enhancing overall airport efficiency and passenger satisfaction. Fans arriving for the tournament will enjoy the world-class facilities and services designed to make their journey as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Conclusion: A New Era for North American Airports

As we approach World Cup 2026, airports in Mexico, Canada, and the United States are ready to play a crucial role in delivering a world-class experience for millions of visitors. From Cancun to Mexico City, Toronto to Monterrey, and key U.S. hubs like Los Angeles and New York, airport authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that the tournament is a success. With expanded terminals, faster processing, better services, and improved transportation links, these airports are ready to welcome the world’s football fans and make the 2026 World Cup an unforgettable event for all involved.

Source: SITA, ESPN